Note: 2011 6.7

Well, I decided to take the wife to Houston for dinner and a movie. About the time I rolled into Sugarland, I see a "Check Engine Coolant" warning come on. I found this to be wierd, because for the first time ever, I was the one who checked all my fluids the same day. Durring the check, I did open and re-seal the rad cap. (not sure if that prompted the warning) The fluid was very slightly low, but I did not think it was an issue. (about 1/8th inch below low line)

Issue #2 and way different subject than the above stated, was trying to figure out what coolant to put into the truck. I went to auto zone and told them I needed the Orange coolant, because I remembered the fluild having a red tint to it. Well they informed me that orange is a "GM" product, so I refused to buy it, (as i do with all GM products (-: ). Checked owners manual, could not find anything other than 13 times it listed "Use proper coolant type to prevent engine damage and warranty being voided." No where in any of the books or suppliments could I find an identifying factor for the "proper coolant", so I called roadside assistance. What a joke. No dice. Finally, Saturday, I contacted a dealership that told me to use Premium Gold Motorcraft. I found a $28 a gallon jug of it, but it was clear. I used it anyways.

Back to the origional problem.... after adding fluid to an inch above the full line, the light continues to come on every time I start the truck. The warning says "check engine coolant", and not "engine coolant low" so one of my questions are, "could it be a dilution issue?", or should I go with the "bad sensor" route and take it to the dealer for a warranty repair?

Any advice or direction is much appreciated.

Al

 

I was an early viewer of this message. It concerned me as well. After asking here, I got the answer I was looking for. This is a little late for you.

The message you are seeing is a maintenance nag to get you to check the PH and additive values in the coolant. It is not a "Check Engine Light". You can turn it off using the menus in the dash info center. Your dealer should have the test kit for doing the procedure.

I am concerned about the coolant the dealer sold you. "Premium Gold" is the proper coolant for the 6.0. The 6.7 uses the OAT based "Orange" coolant. I do not believe the 2 can be mixed. The dealer should have known better. Maybe someone with more experience like Cheezit or Rdenis can jump in here and give us the final word.

Regards

 

Thanks for the info, althought, not what I wanted to hear.

I now need guidance as to what to do about adding about 1/4 gal of non diluted PG to my red antifreeze.

Al

 

I just sent Cheezit a PM about this thread. I am sure he will be here shortly as he was on the site.

Regards

 

Motorcraft Specialty Orange Engine Coolant is what is discussed in the 6.7L documentation. I have attached a screen shot from the PSD manual, page 61.
The experts/experienced around here will help you out. I'm interested to know what the recommendation would be.
I'm guessing a flush?

 

We had two trucks come in this week for the same issue..
I believe every 12,000 miles the coolant should be checked
with pH strips and if necessary VC8 should be added..
The VC8 is a additive to increase the pH levels..

 

this is the correct awnser. the gold coolant can cause engine damage as it not copmbatable with the gaskets used on the engine.

 

Thanks, The wife is in panic mode now. Not sure what to do and dont wanna drive until I know.

Al

 

If you ask the dealer what needs to be used and they tell you the incorrect coolant again, I say they need to flush it and fix this screwup they caused since a Ford dealer recommended the wrong fluid. Or if you have paper work showing they sold you the incorrect coolant.

 

Ok, if I added 1/4 gal to my truck, is it not safe to drive it 85 miles to the dealer that told me to use this type of fluid? I feel, since they gave me misinformation they should replace it for free.

 

I wish I could awnser that with some faith, we have not seen any damage related to this type of thing yet. Ill I have to go off of is what we were told in 6.7 school.

 

Has it been determined, yet, if there is an ELC that can be used in this engine and dispense with the additives?

Would using such ELC (if avail) void your warranty??

 

Ok after reading this I am nervous. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...d-coolant.html
I want to flush the system right now and run water through it. Can someone with knowledge walk me through this? Since it is organic, I assume I can release it onn the ground. How long should I run straight fresh water in the system to flush it. I will buy the correct fluid in the morning at Ford, but what can i do right now? And where the hell is the drain on this thing?

Thanks

Al

 

hmmm I remeber starting that thread. Your best best is to contact the dealer service manager or genral manager first thing in the morning and not mess with it yourself. Once again experance is very limited on the engine and I woudl rather error on the side of caution.

 

You know, I am really glad I have you guys as a resource; although I really don't like any of you right now. I can not find the cost efficient answer I was looking for.

JK..... Thanks a lot for all the info. It is much cheaper to flush a system several times than replace a 6.7 one time.

Appreciate your input.

Al