Mixing Coolant Types

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He added some of the "universal" premixed coolant to it.  This says on the bottle that it is for any car or light truck.

Problem, or not?  (This is a Volvo engine. 660, pre-emission) Please don't guess, but if you KNOW something he would appreciate an answer. Randy?  I'll bet you know a lot about this....

There is a lot more than just grabbing a jug of stuff and dumping it in the engine.

2 years ago, I had to re-sleeve a JD diesel backhoe that used "normal" (non-diesel) green antifreeze that the SCA additives had not been added or tested (it was bought used so history is a murky thing - testing showed that the coolant was generic automotive ethylene glycol).  The problem with "automotive" antifreeze is that the diesel detonations will cause cavitation and "eat" holes through the cylinder walls.  Anti freeze is formulated for the use intended.

Also watch your coolant filter.  Many come with SCA additives that are NOT good to mix with the Organic Acid Coolants (ELC's).

With a $15,000 ~ engine I am going to take a chance on bad coolant?

Let me pose another question.  Why do you use diesel oil (Rotella, Delvac) with an API (American Petroleum Institute) oil rated for C* (G thru J+) instead of S* (F thru I+)? C rating is for Compression ignition engines, S is for Spark ignition engines.

Orange Might be Dexcool.

Ford does mention it in the diesel supplement book (does not highlight it though).  It will eat a GM block.  Most take the attitude that if you buy a diesel - know what you are buying.

In this case, I have no control over the matter.  He added some car coolant to it - about a little over a gallon of premix universal.  He IS taking it to my Colorado Springs mechanic tomorrow (for other reasons) and he will ask him about the situation.  Personally, I would flush it.

The damage is not always immediate.