Monaco 2009 Knight Owner's Manual page 232

Coolant Levels:
Check coolant level before each trip,

when refueling, and when checking the
oil level.
A low coolant alarm will sound and

a low coolant indication will appear
on the instrument panel if coolant
level drops below acceptable levels
in the reservoir. Stop the motorhome
and inspect the coolant level before
continued operation.
Coolant level should remain between

the MIN and MAX indicators on the
reservoir when the cooling system is
properly filled.
Supplemental Coolant Additive (SCA):
SCA is required to protect the cylinder
liner/sleeve from cavitation erosion. Cavitation
erosion is caused by minute air pockets that
collect on the cylinder liner. The air pockets
will pop (implode) during engine operation.
Over time this can erode a hole through the
cylinder liner. Supplemental coolant additives
inhibit formation of the air pockets. The SCA
content of the coolant is checked with Litmus
paper. Test kits are available from the engine
manufacturer as well as aftermarket. Litmus
paper is time and light sensitive. Check the
SCA content at each oil change following the
directions in the test kit.
Refer to the engine OEM manual for further
information.
NOTE
SCA test kits are time and light
sensitive. Store test kit in a dry and
dark location. Discard if out of date.
Pink colored antifreeze may not be
compatible with certain test kits.
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Cooling System Maintenance:
Refer to the engine OEM manual for detailed
information regarding cooling system service
and maintenance intervals. Services include
draining and replacing the coolant, flushing the
cooling system, inspecting the water pump and
standpipe and replacing the thermostat, gasket
or seal.
Coolant Overheated:
The engine can overheat for a number of
reasons. Before engine temperature reaches a
critical point, it is preceded by illumination of
dash indicator lamps as well as above normal
temperature gauge readings. It is best to adhere
to these indicators and take corrective action
before the engine is subjected to extreme heat
and potential engine damage.
If the engine should begin to severely
overheat, engine protection software will begin
to decrease fuel regardless of throttle position
(derate) to reduce heat created by combustion.
Damage to the engine will occur if engine
operation continues and cause of the overheat
condition is not immediately corrected. At this
point it is best to shut off the engine as soon as
possible to avoid further engine damage.
WARNING
It is advised to shut off the engine
should the engine overheat. It may
take several hours before engine
temperature has lowered to a safe
operating range. DO NOT remove the
coolant reservoir cap as severe burns
may result. DO NOT add cold water to
an overheated engine as this will cause
uneven rapid cooling and possibly
result in further engine damage.
Freeze Protection:
Coolant freeze protection is checked using a
refractometer for accuracy. This meter checks
at what point the coolant begins to freeze.
Refer to the engine OEM manual for test
procedures.
Coolant System - Thawing:
If the coolant system becomes frozen,
the motorhome must be towed. Place the
motorhome in a warm area until completely
thawed. If the engine is operated when the
cooling system is frozen, the engine may
overheat due to insufficient coolant circulation.
Once thawed, check the engine, radiator and
related components for damage caused by
expansion of frozen coolant.
Coolant Hoses:
Inspect coolant hoses and connections when
checking engine or transmission fluids. Look
for any signs of chaffing at hose restraints
or sharp edges. Indications that hoses have
reached the end of service life include cracking
or swelling around clamps and connections.
Oil leaks can also deteriorate hoses.
Overheating can be caused by a collapsed
hose. Old hoses can also deteriorate on the
inside causing partial clogs and reducing
cooling efficiency. Replace any hose found to
be cracked, swollen or damaged. Periodically
check hose clamp torque.
Inspect:
Every 12 months - Inspect all hoses, clamps,
and fittings for leaks due to cracking, softness
and loose clamps/fittings. Look for signs of
fluid leaks, damaged end fittings or ballooning;
chafed, kinked, or crushed hoses, loose clamps
and fittings. Correct any deficiencies found.