I recently noticed a small bead of coolant on the driver's side of my tie rod coupled with low primary coolant level, so I took it to the dealer expecting to face a radiator issue (50k miles). Instead they said that the lower radiator hose was leaking and recommended replacement. Thinking that we were still headed down the radiator path, I had them do the job.

Upon inspecting the removed hose, I could find no obvious fault, so I inquired further. They clarified that it was the seal which had failed (I guess replacing the entire hose is the fix for this?), that it was contaminants that build up in the coolant which attack the seals, and that I should expect it to happen again if I don't flush the coolant every 10,000 miles (yes, ten thousand). I asked if he meant to say that I should check the 'coolant additive level' every 10k (instead of 15k) and he again stated that a full flush was necessary every 10k miles and that it was a "maintenance intensive engine."

This can't be right. Has anyone here received similar advice?

 

The 2014 diesel supplement manual says to inspect the coolant system and check the coolant every 15,000 miles, and change the primary and secondary coolant at 105,000 miles. I think they've got the decimal points very confused.

 

I ran 100,000 on my original coolant with no problems. Flushed and refilled and developed a leak where the coolant goes into the turbo at 135,000. But that is way past 10,000 miles.

Your service writter is showing his ignorance.

 

Definite attempted rip off. Glad you asked. Coolant is a nasty chemical and much effort has gone into making it as long lasting as possible. 100,000, yes.

 

I doubt it was an attempt to rip him off. More than likely he spoke with someone who is misinformed and or inexperienced. Either way it is sad - an indicator or what many of us on the inside know in that the numbers of experienced trained technicians have diminished. Service writers who actually understand the technology and care to actually learn about the product are also becoming rare. I implore each and every one of you all to pull the owners manual out of your glove boxes and start reading. As much as I hate to admit the state of our industry, misinformed consumers are an even bigger problem. I am not picking on anyone in particular, just sharing an observation based on 28 years of... observing.

 

The 0-ring on the hose failed. It is best to replace the hose.


The rest is hogwash.


Go somewhere else if you need further service.

 

I tend to agree with Ford Doc's assessment about the general state of things, and for that reason, I really don't expect the service writer to understand much about the vehicle. It's important to be an informed consumer, and those who use boards like this are probably ahead of the curve. I do all scheduled maintenance myself and know the service intervals by heart. That's why my BS flag went up immediately. It's also why I asked if he was confusing this with the 15k interval (but of course that is not a flush). Unfortunately, the recommendation for coolant flushes came from the Master Diesel Tech - someone who ought to know better.

 

Misinformed or crazy, one of the two. Mine made it 60k before the tests failed and both needed a flush/fill. $200 every 10k miles is just silly. Have the two systems tested from time to time and take action if necessary otherwise maintain and keep driving.

 

Your owners manual tells you when you need to change the fluids for your truck.