What is this?
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 192
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From: Tennessee
What is this?
I found this object in my coolant as soon as I opened my radiator cap. What is it? Also.. what is the proper way to check the coolant in these idi's? I've had it for about a year now good time for a check.. does the radiator need to be filled when you take the cap off with engine cold? and when putting the cap back on are there any certain procedures to follow or just tighten er' down?
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 69
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From: Colorado
You can purchase a heavy duty coolant test kit from NAPA, part #4106. The kit consists of 50 colormetric test strips to allow you to check Nitrite, Freeze Point and pH. Directions included in the kit instruct you how to dose SCA's to the proper levels. List price at my NAPA was $18.15.
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 192
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From: Tennessee
Thanks, but I honestly dont have the money. I think my fluid is good but I don't know where it should be when I remove the radiator cap, since these trucks do not have a coolant expansion tank and I have no manual to refer to..
Clueless spectator!
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,587
Likes: 6
From: Denver, CO
Rubbery or ridgid?
Forddowns,
Is this piece rubbery or ridgid does it look manufactured? It looks to me like it could be the retaining ring of a plastic cap someone could have knocked off of a coolant bottle or water bottle filling the radiator?!?
Is this piece rubbery or ridgid does it look manufactured? It looks to me like it could be the retaining ring of a plastic cap someone could have knocked off of a coolant bottle or water bottle filling the radiator?!?
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 192
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From: Tennessee
Rubbery like gum type feeling.. and thanks johnboggs but by the core do you mean the very top of the radiator? As you see in the picture, that is where my fluid level is.. seems kind of low to me but i dont know??
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,737
Likes: 179
From: Western Mass
If there isn't a tank, I don't know what the proper level would be, you'd need some air space for expansion.
Also, if you don't have the money for coolant test strips, do you have the money to replace the engine if it cavitates?? If you haven't learned about SCA's (coolant additives) do a search on cavitation.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,737
Likes: 179
From: Western Mass
That hose is what runs to the overflow tank on my truck. Maybe someone else that has more knowledge on these trucks than I can will weigh in on this.
Sounds to me like a PO removed the tank and just left the hose hanging?
Sounds to me like a PO removed the tank and just left the hose hanging?
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 4,086
Likes: 1
From: Malahat/Cowichan Valley
you can get the smaller sets of fleetgard strips, comes with 3 or 5 cant remember for like 5 bucks. You can also take it to ford and they will test it to ensure its correct. The strips kick my *** as i am color blind a tad red/green, sucks! i tried to check mine and gave up when nothing looked right, buddy of mine was like yeah youre good, lol.
The RTV looks like it was to seal around the thermostat judging by the diameter. Odd to say the least, always fun finding things like that where it shouldnt be.
The RTV looks like it was to seal around the thermostat judging by the diameter. Odd to say the least, always fun finding things like that where it shouldnt be.
