CONVERSION AND INSTALLATION
GENERAL INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
The conversion from a water-based antifreeze to Evans waterless coolant is a straightforward process that can be undertaken by anyone with some basic experience in engine mechanics, provided the instructions are adhered to. These general installation instructions apply to the majority of vehicles.
Important Facts to Know Before You Begin:
- You will need enough of the Evans coolant appropriate for your vehicle, as well as Prep Fluid. See your owner’s manual for cooling system capacity. Not sure which coolant to use? See our FAQ.
- The existing water-based coolant must be completely drained from the system before Evans waterless coolant is installed.
- Water should NOT be used to flush the system after draining the coolant UNLESS the system is contaminated with oil, rust or sediment.
- New Evans coolant should not be installed into a dirty system. If the system requires cleaning before coolant changeover, a chemical flush should be performed. Follow the cleaner product instructions closely. The system must be thoroughly flushed with water after using the cleaner.
- Evans waterless coolants are not intended to be used in conjunction with supplemental coolant additives (SCA) or extenders. No additions of any kind should be made to the system with the exception of topping off the system with new waterless coolant. If compromised by the addition of other coolants or fluids, including water, a coolant replacement should be performed.
- All V6 and V8 engines require special attention to the draining of the block.
WARNING: NEVER WORK ON OR REMOVE THE PRESSURE CAP FROM A HOT PRESSURIZED COOLING SYSTEM. ALLOW TO COOL COMPLETELY BEFORE STARTING COOLANT CONVERSION.
The Role of Evans Prep Fluid
An important part of a good installation is using Evans Prep Fluid. Prep Fluid is specifically formulated to purge remaining water-based antifreeze from the system after the initial drain. Since certain parts of the cooling system might not drain completely by gravity, installing a scavenging fluid is the most practical method of removing all of the water-based antifreeze. Evans Prep Fluid is not formulated to chemically clean the engine of rust and scale, but the process of circulation and draining will help remove any loose sediment. Buy Prep Fluid now.
Special Equipment Needed for Conversion
- A high-volume air source (rather than high pressure): Compressed air used to help remove the old coolant and water can damage cooling system components. The use of high-volume, low-pressure air is preferred because it is safer, and in most cases, more effective. Recommended air sources include the Makita UB1103 variable speed hand-held blower and the various on-off blowers by Metro Vacuum. A shop doing commercial installations should consider the Metro Vacuum MB 3CD Air Force Master Blaster.
- Brix scale handheld refractometer: Testing the water content of the installed Evans waterless coolant requires the use of a refractometer as shown in Appendix 1 of the General Installation Instruction Booklet. Note that the Brix Refractometers used to measure water content are not the same as those used to determine freeze point
General Installation Procedure
Drain the System
- Remove the pressure cap (see warning above). Open all drain valves and plugs. Open bleeder or petcock vents if there are any.
- Drain all parts of the system, including radiator, coolant reservoir, engine block, and heater. (Draining the system only from the bottom of the radiator removes less than half of the system capacity.)
- Use high-volume/low-pressure air to gently blow out various parts of the system. If accessible, blow out heater circuit, blowing only in the direction from the hot coolant source (generally, the
cylinder head) toward the coolant return (generally, the inlet to the coolant pump). Ensure that the heater control valve is open before applying the air. - Block drains are frequently inaccessible, ineffective, or non-existent, and considerable amounts of coolant can remain in the block. Removal of the thermostat provides an opening to the engine where high volume air can be blown through the head and block, pushing old coolant past the coolant pump and out the bottom radiator hose or radiator drain.
- Engines having an “inlet side” thermostat and a good block drain (e.g., DD15) do not require removal of the thermostat. With the block drain open, air blown toward the engine through the top radiator hose will purge the residual coolant in the block.
- Completely empty the overflow bottle if the vehicle is equipped with one. If the system has a pressurized expansion tank, blow air into it to make sure it is empty.
Purge the System - Close all drain valves, plugs and vents, and reconnect circuits. If the engine is equipped with a coolant filter (heavy duty systems), replace the filter with one that does not introduce coolant additives.
- Fill the system with Prep Fluid to flush the parts of the cooling system suspected of harboring residual coolant or water. DO NOT use water. Vent as needed to ensure complete fill.
- Replace the pressure cap and run the engine with the heater on, at full hot, for 10 minutes after reaching operating temperature (thermostat open).
- Repeat the Drain sequence above to drain out the used Prep Fluid.
Refill the System - Close all drain valves, plugs and vents, and reconnect all circuits.
- Fill system completely with the appropriate Evans waterless coolant and start engine. Add coolant as needed to keep system full. If system is equipped with a vented overflow bottle, leave it empty for now.
- Replace the pressure cap and run engine with the heater on, at full hot, for 10 minutes after reaching operating temperature (thermostat open). Shut the engine off and allow the system to cool.
Test the Coolant - Draw a sample of well-circulated coolant from the radiator or pressurized overflow reservoir. Check the water content using a refractometer as outlined in Appendix 1 of the General Installation Instruction Booklet. The coolant being tested must be at room temperature before testing. Minimize exposure of the coolant to air during testing.
- If the above procedure has been rigorously followed, the water content of the coolant should be within specification (below 3%) to take best advantage of the waterless coolant technology. If the water content exceeds 3%, run the system again to operating temperature, and allow sufficient time for the thermostat to open and fluid to circulate through the radiator. Repeat sampling and water content test. If the water content still exceeds the limit, see remediation procedure under Appendix 1 of the General Installation Instruction Booklet.
- If the water content is 3% or less, the equipment is ready for use. Ensure the overflow bottle or expansion tank is filled to the “cold” mark with Evans waterless coolant. Place Evans warning stickers in strategic locations (radiator cap, radiator shroud, overflow bottle, expansion tank) to warn against adding water or water-based coolant to the system.
- Upon cool-down and for a few days thereafter, small amounts of coolant addition may be necessary. Whether the system has a pressurised expansion tank or an overflow bottle, the coolant level should be at the cold line when the engine is cold.
Handling, Storage and Disposalon
As with water-based coolants, Evans waterless coolants and Prep Fluid should be considered toxic. Used coolant and Prep Fluid should be collected and disposed of in accordance with federal, state, and local environmental regulations. Evans waterless coolants should be tightly capped for storage and kept away from children and pets. Evans waterless coolants and Prep Fluid are hygroscopic (can absorb water from the air), which is another reason to avoid leaving partially used containers open.
Special Considerations for After Installation
Mixing Coolants: Waterless and water-based coolants should not be mixed. In the event that significant waterless coolant is lost from the system during operation and no waterless coolant is available to fill the system and reach a repair facility, water-based coolant or water may be used. However, repairs should be made as soon as possible, and the system should be drained, purged and re-filled with new waterless coolant.
Stop Leak Use: Leaks should be repaired. Stop-leak type products are not intended to be permanent repairs. However, they may be used as a temporary measure. Carefully follow the instructions on the stop leak product label. Overuse may clog radiator and heater core passageways.
POWERSPORTS WATERLESS COOLANT INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Method 1: For machines with no thermostat
- Begin with a cold engine.
- All of the old antifreeze must be removed from the cooling system. Conventional antifreeze contains water and water contaminates Evans Powersports Coolant. Do not flush with water.*
- Completely drain the cooling system and expansion tank according to the owner’s manual. Make sure that ALL coolant is removed from the radiator, engine, hoses, and expansion tank.
- Remove a low hose connection, typically at the coolant pump, and blow air through hoses, radiator, and passages to help push old coolant out.
- Pour a small amount of Evans Powersports Coolant or Evans Prep Fluid into the radiator and in the hose leading into the top of the engine. Drain and blow out passages with air again to remove residual fluid.
- Close up drains, attach hoses, and fill the system with Evans Powersports Coolant. Fill expansion tank to cold line.
- Dispose of drained fluid responsibly. Treat Evans Prep Fluid and Evans Powersports Coolant the same as antifreeze for disposal purposes.
Method 2: For machines with thermostats or with extensive bodywork and difficult to reach components
- Begin with a cold engine.
- All of the old antifreeze must be removed from the cooling system. Conventional antifreeze contains water and water contaminates Evans Powersports Coolant. Do not flush with water.*
- Drain cooling system including expansion tank according to the owner’s manual.
- Remove a low hose connection, typically at the coolant pump, and blow air in through the radiator or system-fill opening to push out all the old antifreeze.
- Close up drains, attach hoses if removed, and fill system completely with Evans Prep Fluid.
- Run engine until thermostat opens and Prep Fluid is well-circulated. Allow engine to cool to relieve any possible water vapor pressure.
Run the engine enough to open the thermostat and thoroughly circulate the Prep Fluid. Allow engine to cool to relieve any pressure build-up due to water vapor expansion. - Drain system and blow out as well as you can again.
- Close up drains, attach hoses, and fill system with Evans Waterless Powersports Coolant. Fill expansion tank to cold line. Check fluid level after initial operation.
- Dispose of drained fluid responsibly. Treat Evans Prep Fluid and Powersports Coolant the same as antifreeze for disposal purposes.
*If the system is badly corroded or contaminated with non-coolant products (such as rust, oil, dirt, etc.), you may flush with water and use a chemical cooling system cleaner. More care will be needed to ensure that all the water is then fully removed.
Evans waterless coolants expand 7% at operating temperature, about the same as traditional antifreeze. If there is no expansion tank on the system, the radiator will purge a small amount upon warmup. Once cooled, this is now the system’s operating level.
If you are unsure that you can perform the installation procedure, consult a qualified mechanic.
HEAVY DUTY/INDUSTRIAL WATERLESS COOLANT INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
To get the benefits of Evans Heavy Duty/Industrial Coolant and avoid corrosion and other problems, follow the installation procedure below. CAUTION: TO AVOID THE POSSIBILITY OF ENGINE DAMAGE, USE EVANS HEAVY DUTY/INDUSTRIAL COOLANT IN ITS UNDILUTED FORM ONLY AND AVOID ADDITIONS OF WATER. WATER IS A CONTAMINANT AND HARMFUL TO THE SYSTEM.
Safety Precautions
- When converting to Evans Heavy Duty/Industrial Waterless Coolant, never work on a conventional hot, pressurised water/antifreeze cooling system. Conventional water and antifreeze coolant spraying on a hot engine may generate coolant vapour, which may ignite if it is above 240°F and comes in contact with an open flame (leaking ignition spark, failed exhaust header, etc.). Always observe fire precaution warnings in your vehicle owner’s manual.
- Always use jack stands or ramps to work on a vehicle, never use a jack only.
- Always wear eye protection.
- Use caution near thermostatically controlled electric cooling fans, as they may activate even when the ignition is off.
- Evans Heavy Duty/Industrial Coolant carries ethylene glycol warnings on its packaging because of the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission requires that all products containing over 10% ethylene glycol carry such warnings.
- Ethylene glycol is poisonous. Do not leave it in an open container. Always use a drain pan to capture all fluid in compliance with local, state and federal laws. If drained fluid contains ethylene glycol, it must be disposed of as HAZARDOUS WASTE.
- NEVER work on a conventional hot pressurized water/antifreeze cooling system—allow to cool completely before starting coolant conversion. The existing water-based coolant will be completely drained from the system. Some residual coolant may remain but the overall water content after the Heavy Duty/Industrial Coolant is installed may not exceed 3% as measured with a refractometer. DO NOT FLUSH THE EMPTY SYSTEM WITH WATER. (It is better to leave a small residual amount of liquid behind that is 50% water than an equal amount that is 100% water.)
- IMPORTANT: MAKE SURE THERE ARE NO COOLING SYSTEM LEAKS.
Special Equipment Needed for Conversion
- Brix scale refractometer is essential (Evans Cooling Systems Part No. E2190).
- A one-gallon garden sprayer (such as offered by Agway) can be handy.
- Shop air or a hand held blower (e.g. Makita UB1101).
Installation Procedure
- Drain the radiator. Removal of the bottom radiator hose usually yields additional fluid.
- Drain the block. Search carefully for drain locations that may be at the bottom of the oil cooler, or on the lower region of the EGR cooler. Look for drain locations at the thermostat housing.
- Drain the heater circuit. Disconnect the lines to the heater and gently blow compressed air in both directions. NOTE: When blowing out the heater, set the temperature control to “max”. Also, some HD vehicles require the ignition key to be “on” in order to have flow through the heater. It is helpful to insert new Heavy Duty/Industrial Coolant into the heater and then blow it out to chase out old coolant that may be present. NEVER FLUSH WITH WATER.
- Make sure the expansion tank is empty.
- If there is an overflow bottle, empty it completely.
- Drain any ancillary cooling circuits (e.g., fuel heater and brake air compressor circuits) and gently blow them out with compressed air.
- Use a gallon of Heavy Duty/Industrial Coolant to flush parts of the cooling system suspected to harbour residual coolant. The garden sprayer is particularly handy for introducing coolant into such areas. (The nozzle can be unscrewed and a ¼” ID hose slipped onto the wand.)
- If the engine is equipped with a coolant filter, remove the filter and replace it with one that does not introduce coolant additives.
- Reconnect all circuits and close any drains.
- Fill the system completely with Evans Heavy Duty/Industrial Waterless Coolant.
- Replace the radiator cap.
- Apply DO NOT ADD WATER OR WATER BASED COOLANT warnings.
- Run the engine until it is warm and the thermostat(s) open. After the coolant has circulated completely, prepare to test the coolant water content
- Calibrate the refractometer. Using new Evans Heavy Duty/Industrial Coolant, place a drop on the refractometer glass and check the reading. If it does not read 55.0, use the screwdriver provided to set it to 55.0.
- After there has been thorough circulation of the coolant through all parts of the cooling system, including the radiator and the heater core, obtain a coolant sample for the refractometer from a “well-mixed” location. The reading should not exceed 54.4 Brix, which corresponds to 3% water.
- If the water exceeds 3%, some coolant may have to be drained and replaced with new Heavy Duty/Industrial Coolant. Also, you can try this: Operating with the pressure cap removed will cause evaporation of water from the coolant when the coolant is hot. This method may be attempted as a means to lower the water content. The pressure cap should be returned to close the system once the water content is acceptable.
Post installation: CHECK COOLANT LEVEL DAILY UNTIL COOLANT LEVEL STABILIZES; ADD EVANS HEAVY DUTY/INDUSTRIAL COOLANT AS NEEDED. The level of coolant for a cold engine should be at the “cold” line. Always keep some spare coolant in the vehicle for emergencies.
Other Important Information
An unexpected loss of coolant: In the event of a highway emergency resulting in a coolant loss, NEVER ADD WATER EXCEPT AS A LAST RESORT. Evans High Performance and Powersports waterless coolants are compatible with Evans Heavy Duty/Industrial Coolant and may be used to replace modest percentages of Heavy Duty/Industrial Coolant. If water is the only fluid available, use it to get home with and as soon as possible (preferably within 2 weeks) re-install Evans Heavy Duty/Industrial Coolant. Water left in the system will cause cylinder liner cavitation and other problems.
Coolant darkening: All Evans waterless coolants, including Heavy Duty/Industrial Coolant, gradually change to a darker colour during use due to organic ageing from heat cycles in the engine. This change is normal and has no effect on the performance of the coolant or its non-corrosive attributes.
Storage: Evans Heavy Duty/Industrial Coolant is hygroscopic and, in an open container, will naturally absorb moisture from the atmosphere. Always store Evans Heavy Duty Coolant, whether it is new or being retained for re-use, in a tightly capped container
Cooling system leaks: Bars Leaks Liquid Radiator Stop Leak has been found effective for stopping small leaks of Evans Heavy Duty/Industrial Coolant.
CONVERSION / INSTALLATION
The primary objective of installing Evans waterless coolant is to eliminate many problems associated with water in conventional water-based cooling systems while increasing reliability and engine life.
The conversion from a water-based antifreeze to Evans is a straightforward process that can be undertaken by anyone with some basic experience in engine mechanics, provided the instructions are adhered to.
An important part of a good installation is using Evans Prep Fluid. Prep Fluid is specifically formulated to purge remaining water-based antifreeze from the system after initial drain. Since certain parts of the cooling system might not drain completely by gravity, installing a scavenging fluid is the most practical method of removing all of the water-based antifreeze. The Prep Fluid is not formulated to chemically clean the engine of rust and scale, but the process of circulation and draining will help remove any loose sediment.
EVANS COOLING SYSTEMS COOLANT LIMITED LIABILITY WARRANTY
If Evans Waterless Coolant is installed in accordance with the appropriate instructions and cooling system damage occurs that is documented and verified by our insurance assessors to be the fault of Evans products, Evans will, at its discretion, pay for the repair or replacement of the coolant and any affected covered cooling system parts as outlined in the Product Liability Policy.
This warranty is the only warranty that applies to Evans Waterless Coolant and sets forth all of the responsibilities and obligations of Evans Cooling Systems. Incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages are excluded from coverage under this warranty.
Warranty Duration
This warranty takes effect immediately upon documented purchase and proper installation of Evans Waterless Coolant. It is subject to the requirements, limitations and exclusions as outlined in the ECS limited warranty policy.