Uhhh....Did I make a mistake when I filled my Antifreeze???
#16
09-06-2010, 01:39 PM
You're fine. Go buy some test strips and a couple of bottles of additive. I know Napa or Carquest carry the additive and can order the test strips. Don't let them sell you some big fancy test kit, just buy the cheapest one they have.
The test kit is just a bottle with strips of paper inside. The bottle has a color chart on it. Take one piece of paper, dip it in the coolant, then match the color to the bottle and add SCA as indicated. Drive around a couple of days, then test again to make sure it's good.
The test kit is just a bottle with strips of paper inside. The bottle has a color chart on it. Take one piece of paper, dip it in the coolant, then match the color to the bottle and add SCA as indicated. Drive around a couple of days, then test again to make sure it's good.
Will driving for a couple of days without the additive be a problem? Or do I need it in before I drive at all?
Huge thanks to everyone!!
#17
09-06-2010, 01:48 PM
I thought it was a no-no to put in that Prestone 50-50, its not rated Heavy Duty... I did the same thing as you, put the Prestone in because it said it was a extendend life coolant but it wasn't rated heavy duty. I even posted a thread here and was told to get that stuff out of there and get a Diesel rated Heavy Duty antifreeze, preferably a ELC, which I did, CAT. Flushed the block out and all.
Conventional coolant (usually green) with the addition of SCA at initial fill. Frequent SCA testing and maintenance there after.
Pre-charged coolant (usually purple or pink). Comes with an initial dose of SCA. Frequent SCA testing and maintenance required thereafter.
G-05 coolants. Comes pre-charged with SCA package. Fush required at 50K miles. Semi-annual SCA testing and maintenance recommended.
Heavy Duty Extended Life Coolants. Come pre-charged with carboxylate inhibitors. No testing or maintenance. Super protection. Super long life.
The green is crap, IMHO, LOL!
I think you know how I feel about the green, bro.
Stewart
#19
09-06-2010, 01:55 PM
There are 4 choices for your Powerstroke....
Conventional coolant (usually green) with the addition of SCA at initial fill. Frequent SCA testing and maintenance there after.
Pre-charged coolant (usually purple or pink). Comes with an initial dose of SCA. Frequent SCA testing and maintenance required thereafter.
G-05 coolants. Comes pre-charged with SCA package. Fush required at 50K miles. Semi-annual SCA testing and maintenance recommended.
Heavy Duty Extended Life Coolants. Come pre-charged with carboxylate inhibitors. No testing or maintenance. Super protection. Super long life.
The green is crap, IMHO, LOL!
Stewart
Conventional coolant (usually green) with the addition of SCA at initial fill. Frequent SCA testing and maintenance there after.
Pre-charged coolant (usually purple or pink). Comes with an initial dose of SCA. Frequent SCA testing and maintenance required thereafter.
G-05 coolants. Comes pre-charged with SCA package. Fush required at 50K miles. Semi-annual SCA testing and maintenance recommended.
Heavy Duty Extended Life Coolants. Come pre-charged with carboxylate inhibitors. No testing or maintenance. Super protection. Super long life.
The green is crap, IMHO, LOL!
Stewart
#20
09-06-2010, 02:30 PM
I used the Preston 50/50 green, any color, any make stuff. Wow, do I feel stupid!
The only place open today (Labor Day) is NAPA. Do they carry the right type of coolent? The top of the line stuff?
"Heavy Duty Extended Life Coolants. Come pre-charged with carboxylate inhibitors. No testing or maintenance. Super protection. Super long life."
#21
09-06-2010, 06:09 PM
Walmart does. I dunno if your local Napa does since each one is slightly different.
If you do decide to go with a heavy duty ELC, or even the hybrib G-05 Gold from Ford (or Zerex), then make sure you do the engine backflush to get out all the green in your engine, as detailed in my link above.
Stewart
If you do decide to go with a heavy duty ELC, or even the hybrib G-05 Gold from Ford (or Zerex), then make sure you do the engine backflush to get out all the green in your engine, as detailed in my link above.
Stewart
#22
09-06-2010, 07:23 PM
Elder User
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Irwin,Pa
Posts: 568
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ok, not to sound stupid.. or hi-jack the thread... But if I read this right, the antifreeze should be flushed & replaced on a regular basis? I bought my truck 2 1/2 years ago @ 88,000 on the clock & haven't touched my antifreeze because the level has been good & I didn't know otherwise. I know the antifreeze is green, so how do I know what type it is & if it needs changed??
#23
09-06-2010, 07:28 PM
Cargo Master
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Ardenvoir, Washington
Posts: 3,292
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes
on
6 Posts
If it is green, the important thing is to check the SCA level with a test strips.. Not enough SCA additive and you might bore a hole thru your block due to cavitation . But yes, you should flush and change it periodically.
http://www.forddoctorsdts.com/articl...icle-09-02.php
http://www.forddoctorsdts.com/articl...icle-09-02.php
#24
09-06-2010, 08:45 PM
With the Ford Gold coolant (G-05), a flush is recommended at 50k miles along with semi-annual testing.
Heavy Duty Extended Life Coolants (ELC's) do not need any testing and are good for 300k miles or more, depending on which ELC you get. I use Chevron Delo ELC which is good for 8 year or 750,000 miles, or 10 years and 1 million miles with an additive.
Stewart
#25
09-06-2010, 09:23 PM
#26
09-06-2010, 09:31 PM
If you have the conventional coolant (usually the "standard" green coolant) then you have a higher level of maintenance needed. You must test the coolant frequently with SCA test strips like Clint stated.
With the Ford Gold coolant (G-05), a flush is recommended at 50k miles along with semi-annual testing. Stewart
With the Ford Gold coolant (G-05), a flush is recommended at 50k miles along with semi-annual testing. Stewart
#28
09-07-2010, 12:31 AM
Walmart does. I dunno if your local Napa does since each one is slightly different.
If you do decide to go with a heavy duty ELC, or even the hybrib G-05 Gold from Ford (or Zerex), then make sure you do the engine backflush to get out all the green in your engine, as detailed in my link above.
Stewart
If you do decide to go with a heavy duty ELC, or even the hybrib G-05 Gold from Ford (or Zerex), then make sure you do the engine backflush to get out all the green in your engine, as detailed in my link above.
Stewart
I am thinking I might be willing to pay to have someone else do this flush and correct antifreeze. Anyone know of a reputable Powerstroke/diesel shop here in Tucson??
#29
09-07-2010, 12:36 AM
#30
09-07-2010, 12:53 AM
