IH DT436 engine liner cavitation prevention

[PH]

Have a 79 1460 combine with this engine. I've heard many horror stories on these engines cavitating and blowing up. Bought the machine with 2800 hours and now has 5600. When purchased I added the coolant filter kit to it since it didn't have it. I check the nitrate level of the coolant couple of times a year to make sure it is okay. Is there any other tell tale signs if trouble is ahead. I was thinking of taking an oil sample to see if there is anything to worry about. This engine has never been overhauled and runs like a top and I would hate to see it let go in the middle of the season due to liner cavatation. I would hate to tear it down and rebuild it since it runs and starts so good. But it might be cheap insurance.

 

[IaGary]

PH I have never heard of one that has blown up that has the filter on it.

If your water tests fine I would not worry about it.

If your worried about the damage before you put the filter on, about the only way to know, is to tear the engine down and check it.

Gary

 

[Allan in NE]

Change that "filter" every year and it'll probably go 20K hours.

By the way, it really isn't a filter. It's a can with a pellet in it that desolves.

Kinda like the Cadillac "pills" that ya put in the radiator. :>)

Allan

 

[jeffcat]

You got all of it correct but for one thing. USE distilled water. My dad used to work for an IH dealer and they would buy distilled by the case. You always had some damn farmer who would put regular water in and guess what!!!!!! jeffcat

 

[Steven f/AZ]

The filter w/coolant additive is the solution to the cavitation problem.

Dad bought his 1086 new, changed the filter every year and has no cavitation problem 30 years later with near 9000 hours on it. Our 1460 came with the filter on it, but I believe it's an 81 model.

John Deere used to have the additives in the filter, too, but has since switched to plain old filters and a small bottle of additive for the radiator... which you are supposed to test first.

 

[Mark-Mi]

Had a 1971 1066 that seized up from cavitation that pitted through liners.Tractor bought new,filter kit put on when they were first made available.Changed filter once a year.Mark

 

[Jerry/MT]

I believe there is a coolant additive that is used on these to limit this problem. The Ford 7.3L Powerstrokes require them and you put a 1/2 pint in the coolant every 15000 miles as i recall.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Another way to go is to use the Texaco-Shell extended life (red orange color) anti-freeze for diesels and forget all the filters. It is good for 5000 engine hours. It is not readily available, so you may have to hunt for it. I've used it in all my diesels for over 12 years now; sure keeps the cooling systems clean and eliminates waterpump problems.

 

[John M]

Contrary to what youve been told,Wix makes a real coolant filter, that doesnt have the additive built it, and yes, its a real filter. Also, before Id waste my time on conventional coolants and testing and mixing, Id repalce what I had with the Shell Rotella CONCENTRATE, not the premix, and mix according to what IH says is safe for that engine.OR, providing the system itself is in good shape, hoses, waterpump, radiator, Id go with Evans and be done with it forever!

 

[buickanddeere]

Use demineralized or distilled water to mix with the concentrate. Why plug and coat the heat transfer surfaces by adding calcium, iron and lime to your cooling system from tap water?