REVAMPED COOLANT LINE

Shell Lubricants says its new Rotella Ultra ELC extended-life antifreeze/coolant is the most advanced coolant in a revamped product portfolio now identified by the Rotella brand. It’s for use in heavy-duty diesel, gasoline and natural gas-powered engines, but it’s also suitable for mixed fleets that include light-duty engines as well.

Shell calls Ultra ELC a "next generation" coolant, saying it’s designed to meet the more severe operating conditions of new emission-compliant engines, especially those with EGR.

It’s joined in the line by Shell Rotella Fully Formulated, which has replaced Shell Diesel Ready Fully Formulated coolant/antifreeze, and Shell Rotella ELC. 

Unlike fully formulated coolants, ELCs are designed to go 12,000 hours or 600,000 on-highway miles (965,000 km) and beyond with proper monitoring, says Shell, while providing an overall reduction in cooling system maintenance. They’re said to help reduce water-pump failures, hard-water-scale deposits and silicate gel (the green goo you often see).

Rotella Ultra ELC contains no nitrites, amines, phosphates (NAP), borates or silicates. Improvements compared to Rotella ELC include enhanced oxidation control and corrosion protection of aluminum alloys and lead solder, as well as better elastomer compatibility with silicone seals. It contains molybdate to provide extra protection to cylinder liners. Usefully, it won’t need an initial charge or additional supplemental coolant additives (SCAs) in the future. It’s available in two formulations — a pre-diluted 50/50 and a concentrate.

Shell Rotella ELC can provide protection for up to 12,000 hours or 600,000 miles with an extender added at 300,000 miles.

Shell Rotella Fully Formulated contains supplemental coolant additives (SCAs) to provide complete engine and cooling system protection. It can provide protection for up to 200,000–250,000 miles/two-three years in heavy-duty applications under normal operating conditions, provided that the user monitors and maintains SCA additive levels.


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