Page 4 - Travelore Summer 2015

Page 4 - DRVC Travelore
Part Two
A Few Words about Coolants for Your Diesel
This article is a completion of one started in the previous edition of “Travelore.”
As an owner of a diesel motorhome, there are a few things you need to know about the coolant/antifreeze circulat- ing in your engine block. If you remember nothing else, remember this fact: Know what is in the radiator and
how to service it. Depending on which engine is in your motorhome and the specific type of coolant it uses, your maintenance requirements may be greater, or even fewer, than those for your automobile.
The main purpose of coolant/antifreeze in a typical auto engine is well-known. In diesels it not only helps cooling in summer and freeze protection in winter but it also serves as a carrier for other additives such as corrosion inhibitors and anti-foaming agents. In addition, there is a type that provides protection against cavitation and cylinder pit- ting, a big enemy of larger diesel engines.
Two Types of Diesels
Diesel motorhome engines fall into one of two categories. Each requires different types of coolants since the coolant is designed for the engine.
Annual Election Time
Nominating Committee Recommendations
continued on next page
Smaller diesels, such as the Cummins ISB and the Cat C7, are examples of dry-sleeve engines, which are more like typical automobile engines. Due to their design, these engines are not too susceptible to cylinder wall cavitation, so they can use one type of coolant.
Larger diesels, such as the Cummins ISC, ISM, ISL and ISX as well as the Cat C9, C11 and C13, all use wet-sleeve designs. These wet-cylinder engines allow the sleeve (that contains the piston) to come in direct contact with the coolant. Wet sleeves allow the engine to transfer more heat than dry systems, but because the iron sleeve is in direct contact with the coolant, they have some special requirements for their coolant/antifreeze.
There are two types that are installed by the chassis manu- facturers. One can be called heavy duty and the other long life or extended life. For sure, they are not the same as the coolant used in a car. Be sure, check the manual that came with your coach and always use the specified type. The first type of coolant is heavy-duty, a fully formulated product that requires regular testing and adjustments. The other
In accordance with the By-laws, Diesel RV Club will hold elections for officers at the Member Meeting in Madi-
son, WI this summer. The following positions are up for election/re-election this summer: Senior Vice President, Treasurer, VP Publishing, and Alternate National Director. In addition, three to five members will be elected for the 2016 Nominating Committee. The Membership Meet-
ing will be held during FMCA’s 92nd Family Reunion and Motorhome Showcase, “Escape to Wisconsin,” on Friday, July 31, 2015.
At the DRVC Board meeting in Palm Desert, CA last March, it was decided that the position of VP Inventory is no longer required. Though the Club still has logowear and other club items for sale, most sales are being handled via online orders. Since no inventory is required the involve- ment of a Club officer is no longer needed.
The Nominating Committee is placing the following slate of candidates forward for the Club’s consideration:
• Senior Vice President
• Treasurer
• VP Publishing
• Alternate Nat’l Director
OPEN
Tim Gerrity Byron Songer Tom Treece
Per Robert’s Rules, nominations will be accepted from the floor for all of the above positions. Nominations for Club members who wish to serve on the Nominating Commit- tee will only be taken from the floor. Nominating Commit- tee members serve a one-year term and are responsible for recommending a slate of candidates prior to each sum- mer’s election.
I hope to see all of you at the pre-rally in the Wisconsin dells, and again at the FMCA convention in Madison.