2024 International MV: Coolant Capacity, Type, and Service Guide

The 2024 International MV holds between 24 and 38 quarts (22.7 to 36.0 liters) of coolant, depending heavily on the engine option, radiator package, and whether auxiliary vocational heaters are equipped. As an ASE-certified master technician, I regularly service medium-duty rigs like the International MV series, and keeping these Cummins-powered workhorses properly cooled is critical to avoiding costly downtime.

Below is your comprehensive guide to the coolant capacity, specifications, and maintenance procedures for the 2024 International MV.

Quick answer

When servicing the cooling system on a 2024 International MV, keep these essential specifications in mind:

• Total cooling system capacity: 24.0 to 38.0 quarts (22.7 to 36.0 L), varying by engine and chassis configuration.
• OEM coolant spec: Heavy-duty Organic Acid Technology (OAT) coolant meeting the Cummins CES 14603 specification. This is typically a Red or Magenta heavy-duty coolant, such as Fleetguard ES Compleat OAT.
• Mix ratio: 50/50 mix of concentrate and distilled water, or a pre-mixed 50/50 solution. Do not use tap water, as heavy-duty liners are sensitive to mineral deposits.

Capacity by engine option

Because the International MV is a highly customizable vocational truck, the exact capacity varies. Always fill to the "MAX" or "FULL COLD" line on the surge tank after bleeding.

Note: Trucks with crew cabs, rear heating units, or specialized PTO equipment with heat exchangers will fall on the higher end of these ranges.

Flush interval

Heavy-duty cooling systems endure a massive amount of thermal stress. Adhering to the right maintenance schedule ensures the longevity of the engine's cylinder liners and EGR system.

• Normal Duty: Extended-life OAT coolants in these Cummins engines generally support intervals of 300,000 miles, 6,000 hours, or 3 years, whichever comes first.
• Severe Duty: For vocational trucks seeing high idle times, PTO operation, refuse collection, or extreme dust/heat, it is recommended to test the coolant utilizing test strips every 150,000 miles or 4,000 hours. Top up with OAT extender if the additive package has depleted, or perform a full flush if contamination is present.

How to refill & bleed

Modern heavy-duty diesel engines, especially those with complex EGR coolers like the B6.7 and L9, are notoriously difficult to bleed manually. Trapped air can cause localized boiling, leading to immediate EGR cooler failure.

1. Drain the system: Open the radiator petcock and remove the lower radiator hose if necessary. Drain into a large, heavy-duty catch pan.
2. Pull a vacuum (Highly Recommended): Using a heavy-duty pneumatic vacuum coolant filler on the surge tank is the safest and most efficient way to refill the International MV. This pulls the system into a deep vacuum, verifying there are no leaks before drawing the new 50/50 coolant in without introducing air pockets.
3. Manual fill (if vacuum is unavailable): Open any designated bleed valves on the thermostat housing or EGR cooler circuit. Slowly pour the 50/50 coolant into the surge tank at a rate of no more than 3 gallons per minute.
4. Bleed the air: Leave the surge tank cap off. Turn the cab heater controls to maximum heat. Start the engine and let it idle until it reaches operating temperature and the thermostat opens.
5. Top off: Rev the engine slightly to push remaining air bubbles out. Once the level stabilizes, top off the surge tank to the "COLD MAX" line and install the cap. Recheck the level after the truck's first loaded route.

Common cooling system issues

For the current generation of International MV trucks, technicians should be on the lookout for a few specific issues:

• EGR Cooler Leaks: While Cummins has improved their designs, the EGR cooler remains a high-stress component. Unexplained coolant loss with no external puddles often points to an internal EGR cooler leak, where coolant is flashed to steam and sent through the exhaust.
• Debris in the Radiator Fins: Because MVs are often used as dump trucks, flatbeds, or utility trucks on dirt job sites, the exterior cooling fins can easily become packed with mud and dust, leading to overheating under heavy loads. Regular exterior low-pressure washing of the radiator stack is essential.
• Coolant Level Sensor Failures: The surge tank level sensor can occasionally become coated in residue or fail electronically, triggering a false low-coolant warning or engine derate.

Maintaining your medium-duty truck's cooling system is the best insurance against catastrophic engine failure. Find a trusted shop on Repairius.