Was at the dealer parts dept getting cetane booster and asked for a coolant test strip kit. The parts guy said it was only for 6.7L and not 6.4L. Said 6.4L doesn't need them. I read on here there is. Where else can I get them?

 

They are the same for 7.3, 6.4 , 6.7 so for as I know!

 

I have a letter from Ford saying the 6.4L does indeed require coolant testing for nitrates, A low level of nitrates contributes to pitting in the water pump and then cavitation which causes holes in the cover that leads to coolant in the oil. The bad news is I'm on the road and can't find it on this forum. Try searching the forum or maybe someone else will have it or a linc to the supplier.

You can get them at Napa but they sell only a bottle of about 25 strips, they will time out before you use very many. I've never been able to get them from ford except the Service Advisor once got me 3 or 4 from the shop. Try google for an on line source. I have a source at home on my PC but again I'm not home.

OK on edit" try cooltrack.com

 

go to Napa and get some..they do indeed require it...or give him this letter!

 

Heres a good product by Acustrip they have a specfic procedure for the fords if u scroll down the page, the same product ford uses the ford rotunda part number is 328-00008 might have changed to 328-00001 not sure

CTS-3 Three-Way Antifreeze Specifications

 

Thanks for the info. I quit using that dealership at least 8 months ago because it appeared they didn't know their A@@ from a hole in the ground. I just happened to go by there as I was in the area and remembered I needed cetane booster anyways.
I need an oil change at my preferred dealership, so I'll just ask them to test it.
Thanks again for the info.

 

Yes you can get them at NAPA, there made by Wix filtration corp. and come in 50 strip bottles. I have a bottle that expired on 11/09 but when compared with current dated strips show the same results. Price is about $25 per bottle.

 

Be careful, I bought a bottle at napa and the expire date was already past. I just happened to check before I paid. I'm never 100% sure I read the colors right let alone have the confidence to use timed out strips.

 

Everything has to have an exp. date. I bet if they are kept sealed in the bottle in a cool dry place they would last a very long time. I could be wrong.

 

I bought those test strips back in 2007 and the bottle is sealed, kepted in the house. I also have some strips that were given to me that will expire this year and the old and new show same readings. (1,200 ppm)

 

Was also reading on this site last night about 6.4L maintenance and it said coolant should be flushed at 30,000 miles. Probably better talk to them about having it done. Usually they bring up preventive maintenance stuff but no one said anything. And I better start reading my books more often.

 

60,000mi, not 30k.

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or
2400 hours of engine operation
(whichever comes first)
Flush & refill engine coolant (refer to Motorcraft Premium
Gold Engine Coolant Change Record) – Do not add
Supplemental Coolant Additive

 

Ok. What the heck was I reading then?? Maybe Hanes commercial about changing underwear?