Why don they use anti-freeze in diesel locomotives?
Most diesel locomotives do not use anti-freeze because the chemicals in anti-freeze can be harmful to certain types of metal used in the primer mover. There is also the problem of leaks allowing oil and anti-freeze to mix, causing a loss of much of the lubricating ability of the oil. In addition, anti-freeze can be very expensive and a large amount would be necessary for a locomotive. The new 6000 hp units from EMD and GE are capable of using anti-freeze, as well as the caterpillar engines used in some units.
