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Cat 299C Coolant Change

Cat299C

Member
Joined
Jul 13, 2020
Messages
21
Location
Texas
Occupation
Rancher
Looking to change the coolant in my 299C. I've done several searches and I'm having trouble finding much info on where to drain. There is a petcock on the right side of the block above the oil filter that is on extremely tight (is this a left hand thread by chance?). Any brass plugs lower on the block or other drain locations in the coolant system?
Any info would be much appreciated!
 

Nige

Senior Member
Joined
Jun 22, 2011
Messages
28,973
Location
G..G..G..Granville.........!! Fetch your cloth.
It might pay you to acquire an O&M Manual, less than $50 to download. The Publication Reference is SEBU8407.
The petcock is the drain location and it will be a conventional RH thread. See attached.
 

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  • Coolant Drain.pdf
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Cat299C

Member
Joined
Jul 13, 2020
Messages
21
Location
Texas
Occupation
Rancher
Nige, thank you for your response. I do have the O&M Manual (I think that is where I read about the petcock). I tried turning it by hand but given it is a long reach, I couldn't get it to turn. Guess I'll grind a slot into an old socket and slip it over the tee handle. Thanks for confirming it is a right hand thread. I will give it a go this weekend.
 

CM1995

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Jan 21, 2007
Messages
13,246
Location
Alabama
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Running what I brung and taking what I win
What type of coolant does it currently have in it? Cat ELC? If it has Cat ELC (red) then I highly suggest going back with same. If it has something else I would suggest flushing the system and refilling with Cat ELC.

We have engines in the 5-8K hour range that only ELC has been in with no issues.
 

Cat299C

Member
Joined
Jul 13, 2020
Messages
21
Location
Texas
Occupation
Rancher
CM1995, thanks for that. Yes, I agree with using the Cat ELC. I've already bought it and just wanted to make sure I could get as much of the old coolant out as possible. From what I gather, the petcock location will drain all the fluid. I bought the machine used and was told it was serviced / fluids changed but want to put in fresh ELC so I will be good for some time to come. The machine is a 2011/2012 model with 3,700 hours on it.
 

CM1995

Administrator
Joined
Jan 21, 2007
Messages
13,246
Location
Alabama
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Running what I brung and taking what I win
Same here when I buy a used piece of equipment. I don't care if the oil looks clean all the fluids are being changed regardless. A belt and suspenders approach is cheap insurance IMO.
 
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