Coolant and thermostat

[JMBT]

How often do you all drain and replace your coolant and thermostat on these newer motors? Mine had been in about 7yrs, and 300,000miles so I thought I should change it. I run the OAT extended life coolant and change the filter every other oil change or about every 30,000 miles on a demandated CM2250.
So I pulled it apart the thermostat and housing and seals looked like new, and the coolant bottle says good for 1,000,000 miles or 20,000hrs.. I kind of feel foolish for changing it and replacing the thermostat and seals?? What do you think?? Necessary? Or not??
It is kind of a pain in the ass on a Volvo/cummins setup as you have to unbolt the air cond compressor and a bunch of other crap to get to it.

[Rawze]

My thermostat lasted about 800k or so I think before it started to show signs of acting up.

[Bengy88]

On a side note and just a suggestion. I completely agree with covering any orfaces to keep debris, tools, etc from disappearing in them but I have seen a lot of rags be forgotten by doing it this way. Just a suggestion…. You can drape the rag over the turbo and coolant hose and slide the clamp over it and snug it up and there is no chance you will forget and leave it in a hole afterwards. We all forget a rag eventually and cause added issues. And even though your rags are bright enough to advertise for the local tobacco and vape store…. shi#t still happens.

[JMBT]

I appreciate the suggestion. I have heard of a lot of shops leaving rags in motors during overheads and such..
but I have done it this way for 25years now, and figure if I am absent minded enough to leave a rag in something I shouldn’t be working on it..
I do watch my alcohol consumption while I am working though … lol

[JimT]

Whenever possible I like to use blue painters tape to cover openings while I'm working. It conforms to the surface easily and the blue REALLY stands out against the red engine or black chassis paints. Doesn't work for everything. Also forces me to clean the work area thoroughly.