Just bought a 2000 f450 7.3 and want to change out all the fluids as the truck has not been ran much in the last 5 years. Can i just drain out the radiator and reservoir and refill with fresh antifreeze (50/50)? Are there any other steps? I understand there is supposed to be an additive im supposed to use, can this be purchased anywhere? Or only at the dealer? The quick reference guide i have says fw-15. Going to change fuel filter with motorcraft filter (not sure whats in there now). Also want to change out fuel tank as it has the metal tank and heard these are horrible. The big question is while i have the tank dropped i want to change out the fuel pick up and screen etc. But not real sure what to go with. I have read a little on the "hutch mod"? Think thats what it was. Just dont want to have to go back in down the road if i decide to do any other mods. Like i said still all very new to me. I need the truck for work and time isnt really on my side so just want her running good. I will be towing heavy loads daily.. thanks for any input. Btw still trying to figure out all the abbreviations you guys use, hahaha. Go easy on those please

 

Most of us here use Fleet Charge coolant mixed 50/50 with distilled water. The Fleet Charge already has the SCAs in it. When you change the coolant, you need to get all the old coolant out of the block. You can do this one of two ways. Drain the radiator and reservoir, and remove all the block drains, which can be a real pain. Or, what I do is, drain the radiator and reservoir, refill the system with straight distilled water, and run it up to temp. Repeat that process until you are draining nothing but clean distilled water. The whole system holds 8 gallon, so once you drain it the last time, there will be nothing but distilled water left in the block. Add 4 gallon of Fleet Charge, and top it off with distilled water to give you the 50/50 mix, and you should be good to go.

 

great thanks for the response. so are you saying with fleet charge i dont need the additive? also r u saying to go buy 16 gallons of distilled water( or more?) and keep filling and flushing?

 

If you want to add in a bypass filter, now is the best chance to do it.

Super cheap, can get all the parts at napa.

 

Yep, the Fleet Charge already has the additive in it. I would get at least 24 gallon of water. And yes, just keep filling, running for a bit, draining, and refilling, until you are draining pretty clean water.