2023 International MV Coolant Capacity & Type

The 2023 International MV holds approximately 34-40 quarts (32-38 liters) of coolant in its cooling system, depending on the specific engine and chassis configuration.

Quick Answer

• Total Cooling System Capacity: 34-40 quarts (32-38 liters)
• OEM Coolant Spec: Predominantly लाल/Orange, OAT (Organic Acid Technology) or NOAT (Nitrited Organic Acid Technology) ELC (Extended Life Coolant) meeting Cummins CES 14603 or ASTM D6210 standards.
• Mix Ratio: 50/50 Pre-mix or 50% Concentrate with 50% distilled water.

Capacity by Engine Option

The International MV series typically comes with various engine options, primarily from Cummins. The coolant capacity can vary slightly based on the specific engine and its cooling system components (e.g., radiator size, presence of an auxiliary cooler).

Note: These capacities are approximations. Always refer to your vehicle's owner's manual or service manual for the most accurate information.

Flush Interval

Maintaining your coolant flush interval is crucial for the longevity of your 2023 International MV's cooling system.

• Normal Duty: Typically, ELC coolants in commercial vehicles like the International MV have a service life of 600,000 miles, 6 years, or 12,000 hours, whichever comes first.
• Severe Duty: For vehicles operating under severe conditions (e.g., heavy hauling, extreme temperatures, frequent idling, dusty environments), it is recommended to inspect the coolant more frequently and consider a flush and fill every 300,000 miles, 3 years, or 6,000 hours, or as indicated by coolant testing results.

Regularly testing your coolant with appropriate strips can help determine the actual condition and remaining life of the coolant, regardless of mileage or time.

How to Refill & Bleed

Properly refilling and bleeding the cooling system of your 2023 International MV is essential to prevent air pockets, which can lead to overheating and damage.

1. Safety First: Ensure the engine is cool before starting. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment.
2. Drain Old Coolant: Open the petcock on the bottom of the radiator and any drain plugs on the engine block. Collect all old coolant in a suitable container for proper disposal.
3. Flush System (Optional but Recommended): If changing coolant types or if the old coolant was contaminated, flush the system with distilled water until clear. You may use a commercial cooling system flush product if necessary, following its instructions carefully.
4. Close Drains: Once draining/flushing is complete, close all petcocks and drain plugs.
5. Refill: Begin refilling the system with the specified 50/50 ELC coolant mix through the radiator fill neck or the expansion tank. Fill slowly to allow air to escape.
6. Bleeding Procedure:
   • Start the engine and let it run with the heater on full blast (to open the heater core circuit). Keep the radiator cap off (or expansion tank cap loose) and observe the coolant level. Add more coolant as needed.
   • Some International MV models (especially with Cummins engines) may have a dedicated bleeder valve on the thermostat housing or upper radiator hose. Open this valve until a steady stream of coolant, free of air bubbles, emerges, then close it.
   • Squeeze the upper and lower radiator hoses repeatedly to help dislodge air pockets.
   • Continue running the engine until it reaches operating temperature and the thermostat opens (you'll feel the lower radiator hose get warm). The coolant level in the expansion tank should stabilize.
   • It's highly recommended to use a vacuum filler tool for a complete fill without air pockets, especially for commercial vehicles.
7. Final Check: Once cool, recheck the coolant level in the expansion tank and top off if necessary. Monitor the coolant level and engine temperature closely during the next few driving cycles.

Common Cooling System Issues for this Generation

Owners of 2023 International MV trucks, and similar heavy-duty vehicles, may encounter several common cooling system issues:

• Leaks: Hoses, radiator, water pump, and heater core are common leak points. Due to the high mileage and demanding conditions, seals and gaskets can eventually fail.
• Thermostat Failure: A failing thermostat can cause the engine to overheat (stuck closed) or run too cool (stuck open), both of which are detrimental to engine health.
• Radiator Clogging: Debris, corrosion, or contamination from improper coolant mixing can clog radiator fins or internal passages, reducing cooling efficiency.
• Water Pump Failure: The water pump circulates coolant; bearing wear or seal failure can lead to leaks or complete pump failure, causing overheating.
• Degraded Coolant: Over time, even ELC coolants lose their protective additives, leading to corrosion, cavitation, and premature wear of cooling system components. This emphasizes the importance of regular flush intervals.
• 팬 Clutch Failure: The fan clutch engages the cooling fan when needed. A faulty clutch can cause the fan to run constantly (wasting fuel) or not engage at all (leading to overheating).

Find a trusted shop on Repairius.