Thermo King SPECTRUM TS 30 SR NAD Manual Download

Page: 97 / 196

Engine Maintenance

Antifreeze Maintenance Procedures

As with all equipment containing antifreeze,
periodic inspection on a regular basis is required
to verify the condition of the antifreeze. Inhibitors
become worn out and must be replaced by
changing the antifreeze. Change green or
blue-green engine coolant every two years.
Change ELC (red) engine coolant every five years
or 12,000 hours (whichever occurs first).

Do not mix green or blue-green engine coolant
with ELC (red) engine coolant. See “ELC
(Extended Life Coolant)” on page 96 for more
information about ELC.

The factory recommends the use of a 50/50
percent antifreeze mixture in all units even if they
are not exposed to freezing temperatures. This
antifreeze mixture will provide the required
corrosion protection and lubrication for the water
pump.

Checking the Antifreeze

Check the solution concentration by using a
temperature compensated antifreeze hydrometer
or a refractometer designed for testing antifreeze.
Maintain a minimum of 50 percent permanent
type antifreeze concentrate and 50 percent water
solution to provide protection to -30 F (-34 C). Do
not mix antifreeze stronger than 68 percent
permanent type coolant concentrate and 32
percent water for use in extreme temperatures.

Changing the Antifreeze

1. Run the engine until it is up to operating

temperature. Stop the unit.

2. Open the drain cock (see Figure 124 on page

94 or Figure 125 on page 95) and completely
drain coolant. Observe coolant color. If the
coolant is dirty, proceed with a, b, and c.
Otherwise go to step 3.

a. Run clear water into radiator and allow it

to drain out of the drain cock until it is
clear.

b. Close the drain cock and install a

commercially available radiator and block
flushing agent, and operate the unit in
accordance with instructions of the
flushing agent manufacturer.

c. Open the drain cock to drain water and

flushing solution.

3. Run clear water into the radiator, and allow it

to drain out of the drain cock until it is clear.
When water has finished draining, close drain
cock.

4. Inspect all the hoses for deterioration and the

hose clamp tightness. Replace if necessary.

5. Loosen the water pump belt. Check the water

pump bearing for looseness.

6. Inspect the radiator cap. Replace the cap if the

gasket shows any signs of deterioration.

7. Mix one gallon of the appropriate permanent

type antifreeze concentrate and one gallon
clean water in a container to make a 50/50
mixture. (Do not add antifreeze and then add
water to the unit. This procedure may not give
a true 50/50 mixture because the exact cooling
system capacity may not always be known).

8. Refill the radiator with the 50/50 mixture.

Bleeding the Cooling System

After filling the radiator, run the unit up to
operating temperature to check for overheating
and coolant level and allow the air to be purged
for a few minutes.

CAUTION: Avoid direct contact with hot
coolant.

CAUTION: Do not remove the radiator
cap while the engine is hot.