Coolant Flush Question
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Atlanta
Coolant Flush Question
I am planning to do an EGR upgrade/delete, oil cooler replace and possible new exhaust system over the Thanksgiving break. Can I/should I do the coolant flush now or should I do this right before doing the upgrades?
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2011
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From: L.A. (Lower Alabama)
Are you seeing a big EOT/ECT delta or are you doing it to avoid problem later? If the truck is fine now, it will prob be fine either way. Maybe a little easier to do it all at once. If there is an issue, doing it now might be better. Then when you do the work you can eyeball the coolant to see if it may need to be done again.
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Junior User
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From: Atlanta
My EOT/ECT delta averages around 5 - 7. It gets around 7 – 10 on the interstate (not towing). Towing an 8,000 lb travel trailer it gets a good bit higher than 10 in climbing grades in the mountains. Since I am a newbie I wanted to get as much work done before I tackle the EGR/Oil Cooler project. I have already installed a coolant filter.
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Whittier, CA
My EOT/ECT delta averages around 5 - 7. It gets around 7 – 10 on the interstate (not towing). Towing an 8,000 lb travel trailer it gets a good bit higher than 10 in climbing grades in the mountains. Since I am a newbie I wanted to get as much work done before I tackle the EGR/Oil Cooler project. I have already installed a coolant filter.
I would NOT use the VC-9 cleaner unless I was committed to the likelyhood of needing a new oil cooler. But you can do a distilled water flush and fill anytime without worry of doing any harm. Sounds to me like that is all you need.
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Junior User
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From: Atlanta
I was wondering about that. The truck has 108,000 miles and I thought the upgrades were good idea for reliability. The towing delta was around 15 and peaked at 20 for short periods. The delta dropped pretty fast once I got off of the steep grade. The grade was very steep for about 15 minutes, she was working hard.
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Whittier, CA
This is a key indicator that you are getting a good heat transfer. I really don't think you have a problem. New coolant is always a good idea regardless.
Changing coolers that have not failed/clogged is not a reliability upgrade IMO. Unless you just feel like you want to Bulletproof it and have cash to burn.
Changing coolers that have not failed/clogged is not a reliability upgrade IMO. Unless you just feel like you want to Bulletproof it and have cash to burn.
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Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Saratoga Springs,UT
This is a key indicator that you are getting a good heat transfer. I really don't think you have a problem. New coolant is always a good idea regardless.
Changing coolers that have not failed/clogged is not a reliability upgrade IMO. Unless you just feel like you want to Bulletproof it and have cash to burn.
Changing coolers that have not failed/clogged is not a reliability upgrade IMO. Unless you just feel like you want to Bulletproof it and have cash to burn.
X2 here as well
your numbers are about the same as mine and my oil coo;ler only has 5000 miles on it
dont mess with it
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Junior User
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From: Atlanta
Thank you for the help. I'll skip the oil cooler replacement. I bought the truck new and I take very good care of it. I'll flush it several times with distilled water as you suggest. I have the same question as kidoo should I use any of the flush chemicals?
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Whittier, CA
I don't think you need any cleaners. Will certain ones hurt anything? I do not know if they would. Unless you know, why take a chance?
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2011
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From: Houston, TX
if ur gonna use restore, dont forget to pick up some restore plus as well. use them both. restore is for initial cleaning, then restore plus cleans corrosion and lime away. best of luck fellas. 
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Saratoga Springs,UT
If you start running cleaners and such thru it you might break junk loose and plug your oilcooler
The Risk is there for shure
theres been a few folks that have flushed with cleaners and made the spread Worse
The Risk is there for shure
theres been a few folks that have flushed with cleaners and made the spread Worse
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2011
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From: Houston, TX
hmmmm, tats interesting. i'll keep tat in mind.