2017 Kenworth W900 Coolant Capacity & Type

The 2017 Kenworth W900's coolant capacity varies depending on the engine, generally holding between 40 to 70 quarts (37.8 to 66.2 Liters) of coolant.

Quick Answer

• Total Cooling System Capacity: 40-70 quarts (37.8-66.2 Liters)
• OEM Coolant Spec: Typically an Extended Life Coolant (ELC) / OAT (Organic Acid Technology) coolant, red or pink in color, meeting Cummins CES 14603 or similar heavy-duty ELC specifications. Always confirm with your engine manufacturer's specific requirements.
• Mix Ratio: 50/50 prediluted or 50% concentrate mixed with 50% distilled water.

Capacity by Engine Option

The Kenworth W900 is a heavy-duty truck often equipped with robust diesel engines, and the cooling system capacity is largely dependent on the specific engine model and radiator size. Common engines in a 2017 W900 might include:

• Cummins ISX15: Approximately 60-70 quarts (56.7-66.2 Liters)
• PACCAR MX-13: Approximately 40-50 quarts (37.8-47.3 Liters)

These are approximate capacities and can be influenced by options like a larger radiator or auxiliary heaters. Always consult your owner's manual or engine service information for precise capacities.

Flush Interval

For heavy-duty trucks like the Kenworth W900, maintaining the cooling system is critical. The flush interval for Extended Life Coolants (ELCs) is significantly longer than conventional coolants:

• Normal Duty: ELC coolants typically have a service life of 600,000 miles, 12,000 hours, or 6 years, whichever comes first.
• Severe Duty: In harsh operating conditions (e.g., extreme temperatures, heavy loads, frequent idling), it may be advisable to test the coolant more frequently and consider a flush every 300,000-400,000 miles or 6,000-8,000 hours, or 3-4 years.

Regularly checking the coolant's SCA (Supplemental Coolant Additive) levels (if applicable to your coolant type) or pH and nitrite levels for ELCs is crucial to ensure its effectiveness. Many ELCs require no SCAs for their full service life.

How to Refill & Bleed

Properly refilling and bleeding the cooling system in a heavy-duty truck is essential to prevent air pockets that can lead to overheating.

1. Safety First: Ensure the engine is cool and the truck is on level ground. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
2. Drain Old Coolant: Open the petcocks on the bottom of the radiator and engine block (if present) to drain the old coolant. Capture all fluid for proper disposal.
3. Flush (Optional but Recommended): If performing a full flush, close the drain valves, refill with distilled water and a cooling system cleaner, run the engine to operating temperature with the heater on, then drain again. Repeat with distilled water until the drained fluid is clear.
4. Refill with New Coolant: Close all drain valves. Begin slowly filling the system through the radiator fill neck or a dedicated reservoir. Use the specified 50/50 premixed ELC or mix concentrate with distilled water at a 50/50 ratio.
5. Bleeding Air:
   • Leave the radiator cap or reservoir cap off during initial filling.
   • Start the engine and run it at a fast idle (around 1000-1200 RPM) with the heater on full blast. This helps open the thermostat and allows coolant to circulate through the heater core.
   • Monitor the coolant level in the reservoir or radiator, topping off as needed. Squeeze the upper and lower radiator hoses repeatedly to help dislodge air pockets.
   • Some heavy-duty engines may have specific air bleed valves on the thermostat housing or other high points in the system. Consult your engine's service manual for their location and opening procedure.
   • Continue running the engine until it reaches operating temperature and the thermostat opens. You should see a steady flow of coolant in the radiator or surge tank without excessive bubbling.
   • Once the engine is at operating temperature and no more air bubbles are visible, install the radiator cap or reservoir cap. Turn off the engine.
6. Final Check: After the engine has cooled completely, recheck the coolant level and top off if necessary. Drive the truck for a short period and then recheck the level again after it cools down.

Common Cooling System Issues

Heavy-duty trucks like the 2017 Kenworth W900 can experience specific cooling system challenges due to the demands placed on them:

• Radiator Leaks/Fins Damage: Due to road debris, vibrations, or age, radiators can develop leaks or suffer damage to their cooling fins, reducing efficiency.
• Hose Failures: Large diameter hoses can crack, harden, or swell over time, leading to leaks or blockages. Regular inspection is key.
• Water Pump Failure: The water pump is a critical component that can fail due to bearing wear or seal leaks, often indicated by a grinding noise or coolant weeping.
• Thermostat Malfunctions: A stuck-open thermostat leads to the engine running too cool, while a stuck-closed thermostat causes rapid overheating. Both reduce fuel efficiency and can cause engine damage.
• EGR Cooler Leaks: Many modern diesel engines, including those in the W900, feature an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler. Internal leaks in the EGR cooler can introduce combustion gases into the coolant, leading to coolant loss, excessive pressure, and even engine damage.
• Coolant Contamination: Mixing incompatible coolants or using tap water can lead to premature wear of cooling system components, silicate dropout, gel formation, and reduced corrosion protection.

Adhering to the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule and using the correct type of coolant will help prolong the life of your cooling system components.

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