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Another Coolant Question...

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Old Feb 7, 2011 | 09:36 AM
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Another Coolant Question...

I have a 2003 F250 with the 6.0 I will be doing a coolant flush. I am going to be switching to ELC coolant and was wondering if there is any real difference in brands? I have heard guys recommend the Caterpillar ELC, Shell Rotella ELC, and Zerex ELC Coolant. Any opinions if one is better then the other or am I safe with anyone of these?
 
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Old Feb 7, 2011 | 10:10 AM
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Change the coolant or flush the system? It's two different things.

Shell Rotella is a trusted name in my book, and Caterpillar makes equipment that lasts forever through the harshest abuse. I suspect their coolants would be used in their equipment, and their equipment wouldn't last if the coolant wasn't good.
 
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Old Feb 7, 2011 | 10:27 AM
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I was going to be changing the coolant. When I say that I mean drain old, fill with distilled water run it through system till engine is hot drain again. Repeat that process one more time and then add the new coolant. The coolant is pre diluted how gallons should I be getting?
 
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Old Feb 7, 2011 | 10:40 AM
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You should use concentrated for this. After the flushing you will have water left in the motor. Adding 50/50 will not get you the right mix. Concentrated will get you to nearly 50/50 mix.

p.s. 4 gallons
 
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Old Feb 7, 2011 | 10:50 AM
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Is all Extended Life Coolant the same though aside from concentrated and 50/50?
 
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Old Feb 7, 2011 | 10:57 AM
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From what I have read, the ELC coolant needs to be Cat EC-1 rated.
 
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Old Feb 7, 2011 | 11:30 AM
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The stuff I was looking at says CAT EC-1 and Cummins 14603 Approved. So im guessing that I have the proper stuff.
 
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Old Feb 7, 2011 | 11:39 AM
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Sounds right, but I haven't switched yet, so I'm basing this on what others have posted. My choice is going to be either Caterpillar or John Deere. If and when I decide to switch.
 
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