SERIES 60 SERVICE MANUAL

All information subject to change without notice.

6SE483 9610 1996 DETROIT DIESEL CORPORATION From Bulletin 5-60-98 13-29
If the cooling system is contaminated, flush the cooling system as follows:
1. Drain the coolant from the engine.
2. Refill with soft clean water.
NOTE:
If the engine is hot, fill slowly to prevent rapid cooling and distortion of the engine
castings.
3. Start the engine and operate it for 15 minutes after the thermostats have opened to
thoroughly circulate the water.
4. Drain the unit completely.
5. Refill with clean water and operate for 15 minutes after the thermostats have opened.
6. Drain the unit completely.
7. Fill with 50/50 antifreeze water and precharge of inhibitor.
8. Purge entrapped air by allowing the engine to warm-up without the pressure cap installed.
With the transmission in neutral, increase engine speed above 1000 r/min. Add coolant as
required.
9. Allow engine to cool.
10. Install the pressure cap after filling the coolant level to the bottom of the radiator filler
neck.
13.8.4.1 Guidelines for Water Pump Replacement
The investigation of engine water pumps returned to the factory has, in many cases,
revealed normal weepage from the water pump weep hole. This condition is often
misdiagnosed as a water pump seal failure. The diagnostic procedure is used in the
determine if the engine water pump seal has failed or is functioning normally.
Guidelines are also presented for the steps that should be taken prior to water pump
replacement.
13.8 DESCRIPTION OF MAINTENANCE ITEMS
All information subject to change without notice.
13-29a From Bulletin 5-60-98 6SE483 9610 1996 DETROIT DIESEL CORPORATION
13.8.4.2 Source of Premature Failure of Water Pump Seals
Water pump seal failures may result from debris or deposits at the seal surface, low
coolant levels, improper coolant chemicals or fabrication defects. Fabrication defects are
quickly evident at low mileage/ engine hours, while failures caused by debris or
deposits at the seal surface appear over the service life of the pump. Premature failure
of the water pump seal is typically an indication of poor coolant and lubricating oil
maintenance.
Improper coolant maintenance can lead to excess supplemental coolant additives (SCA)
in the coolant. This can cause excess phosphorus and silicates to precipitate within the
cooling system. Deposits can build up between the shaft and the seal, causing a leak
path or an abrasive effect on the seal face. Coolant formulated with hard water can also
result in excess magnesium and calcium precipitation, with the same effect on the water
seal. For additional information on the effects of inadequate cooling system
maintenance, see DDC publication, 7SE390, Cooling System Technicians Guide.
On gear-driven water pumps, oil from the weep hole indicates a failure of the oil seal
within the water pump. The normal cause for premature failure of the oil seal is
excessive wear debris and soot in the engine oil, which can the result from extended oil
change intervals. These contaminants act abrasively on the seal-to-shaft interface.