2022 International LT: Coolant Capacity & Type

The 2022 International LT series holds between 40 to 60 quarts of coolant, depending on the specific engine and cooling system configuration.

Quick Answer

• Total Cooling System Capacity: 40-60 Quarts (approx. 38-57 Liters)
• OEM Coolant Spec: Typically a Red/Pink, Extended Life Coolant (ELC) which is an Organic Acid Technology (OAT) or Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT) formulation. Always refer to your owner's manual for the precise International/Navistar coolant specification number.
• Mix Ratio: 50/50 Pre-mix or 50% Concentrate with 50% distilled water.

Capacity by Engine Option

The International LT can be equipped with various engines, and the cooling system capacity will vary accordingly. Here's a general breakdown:

Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual or the service information for the exact capacity for your specific engine and cooling system configuration.

Flush Interval

For the 2022 International LT, coolant flush intervals are typically extended due to the use of long-life coolants. However, this can vary based on operating conditions and coolant type.

• Normal Duty: Many ELC coolants can last for 600,000 miles, 12,000 hours, or 6 years, whichever comes first.
• Severe Duty: For vehicles operating in severe conditions (e.g., extreme temperatures, heavy loads, frequent idling, dusty environments), the flush interval may be reduced to 300,000 miles, 6,000 hours, or 3 years. Regular testing of the coolant condition is highly recommended for severe-duty applications.

Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations outlined in your owner's manual or maintenance schedule.

How to Refill & Bleed

Refilling and bleeding the cooling system on a 2022 International LT is a critical process to prevent air pockets, which can lead to overheating. Due to the complexity and size of commercial truck cooling systems, proper procedures are essential.

1. Drain the System: Ensure the engine is cool. Open the petcocks on the radiator and engine block to completely drain the old coolant. Collect all coolant in an appropriate container for proper disposal.
2. Close Drain Points: Once drained, close all petcocks and ensure they are sealed.
3. Refill with New Coolant: Slowly add the correct type and concentration of new coolant to the expansion tank or surge tank. Due to the large capacity, this can take some time.
4. Engine Run Cycle & Bleeding:
   • Start the engine and run it at high idle. Monitor the coolant level in the surge tank and add more coolant as needed. Some International LT models may have a dedicated bleeder valve on top of the radiator or near the thermostat housing; open these to allow air to escape until a steady stream of coolant appears.
   • Once the thermostat opens (you'll feel the upper radiator hose get hot), continue to run the engine, allowing any remaining air to purge itself.
   • Turn on the cab heater to full hot to ensure coolant circulates through the heater core, purging any air from that circuit.
5. Cool-Down & Recheck: Allow the engine to cool completely. Recheck the coolant level in the surge tank and top off if necessary. It is often recommended to drive the truck and then let it cool, rechecking the level for a few cycles.

Pro Tip: Vacuum filling tools are highly recommended for large commercial vehicle cooling systems. These tools create a vacuum in the system, drawing in the new coolant without introducing air, making the bleeding process much more efficient and effective.

Common Cooling System Issues

For the generation of the 2022 International LT, some common cooling system issues can include:

• Coolant Leaks: Due to the extensive plumbing and components, leaks can occur at hose connections, radiator seams, water pump seals, and EGR coolers (if equipped).
• EGR Cooler Failures: On engines equipped with an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system, the EGR cooler can be a common point of failure, leading to coolant consumption or mixing with exhaust gases.
• Radiator/Charge Air Cooler (CAC) Blockage: External debris or internal clogging can reduce the efficiency of the radiator and CAC, leading to overheating or performance issues.
• Water Pump Failure: Worn bearings or leaking seals in the water pump can lead to overheating or coolant loss.
• Thermostat Malfunctions: A stuck-open thermostat can cause the engine to run too cool, reducing fuel efficiency, while a stuck-closed thermostat will cause rapid overheating.
• Degradation of Coolant: Even long-life coolants can degrade over time due to contamination or improper mixing, leading to corrosion and reduced cooling efficiency. Regular coolant testing is crucial.

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