Using 50/50 Coolant
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2010
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Using 50/50 Coolant
Okay, my coolant level is low in the reservoir, and I want to bring it up to the proper level. I want to do a coolant flush this Summer, but I don't want to mess with it until then. However, I would like to top it off so that the level is good until it warms up nicely so I can do a proper coolant flush. I bought, I think, Prestone brand 50/50 coolant. It says it is compatible with all makes and models and any type of coolant, but I'm taking that with a grain of salt. It says that it has no silicates. Is this coolant going to be alright to hold me over until I can do a proper flush? I'm not going to be adding much of it.
Basically, I'm just making sure that I'm not going to be hurting anything by doing this before I actually do it.
I believe this is the stuff. I'm running out right now to check, though.
Amazon.com: Prestone Antifreeze / Coolant Af2100 - Prestone P Rediluted 50 / 50: Automotive
Basically, I'm just making sure that I'm not going to be hurting anything by doing this before I actually do it.
I believe this is the stuff. I'm running out right now to check, though.
Amazon.com: Prestone Antifreeze / Coolant Af2100 - Prestone P Rediluted 50 / 50: Automotive
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,244
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Why not get something like this? Final Charge 50/50 Pre-Diluted Antifreeze
and then test your SCAS?
Your specified coolant is fine, as long as you check it with test strips and add the necessary SCA's I prefer to add coolant already having SCAS.
and then test your SCAS?
Your specified coolant is fine, as long as you check it with test strips and add the necessary SCA's I prefer to add coolant already having SCAS.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2010
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I wanted to add that because I have no idea what type of coolant is currently in the truck and I want something that isn't going to "rock the boat", so to speak, with anything that's currently in the system. In other words, I have no idea how the coolant system has been maintained, and I must confess that I haven't messed with it since I bought the truck.
Edit: The one you linked to claims that it's compatible with any coolant. I guess I should be looking for a "Heavy Duty" coolant that is compatible with any type of coolant? To be quite honest, I truly don't know the first thing about coolant or coolant systems. I really just started considering my coolant situation recently.
Edit: The one you linked to claims that it's compatible with any coolant. I guess I should be looking for a "Heavy Duty" coolant that is compatible with any type of coolant? To be quite honest, I truly don't know the first thing about coolant or coolant systems. I really just started considering my coolant situation recently.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2009
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From: Grantsburg,WI
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,244
Likes: 40
I wanted to add that because I have no idea what type of coolant is currently in the truck and I want something that isn't going to "rock the boat", so to speak, with anything that's currently in the system. In other words, I have no idea how the coolant system has been maintained, and I must confess that I haven't messed with it since I bought the truck.
Edit: The one you linked to claims that it's compatible with any coolant. I guess I should be looking for a "Heavy Duty" coolant that is compatible with any type of coolant? To be quite honest, I truly don't know the first thing about coolant or coolant systems. I really just started considering my coolant situation recently.
Edit: The one you linked to claims that it's compatible with any coolant. I guess I should be looking for a "Heavy Duty" coolant that is compatible with any type of coolant? To be quite honest, I truly don't know the first thing about coolant or coolant systems. I really just started considering my coolant situation recently.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2010
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My coolant looks like it's in good shape, by the way. It's a nice, bright green.
The more I read about coolant, the more confused I get. I really just need to know what's going to be safe to add to my coolant, and that won't damage my engine, radiator, or water pump. I have no idea what the current coolant in the truck is. It is a nice bright green, if that helps.
It only needs like one to two quarts to top it off, by the way. It only has to last me until March or April or so.
The more I read about coolant, the more confused I get. I really just need to know what's going to be safe to add to my coolant, and that won't damage my engine, radiator, or water pump. I have no idea what the current coolant in the truck is. It is a nice bright green, if that helps.
It only needs like one to two quarts to top it off, by the way. It only has to last me until March or April or so.
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2010
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If I had that low of time I would buy fleet charge and then just add whatever amount you need. The proper way would be to buy SCA test strips. Amazon.com: Fleetguard CC2602 Coolant Test Kit, 3-Way Test Strip, 50/bottle: Automotive
and then get SCA additive from napa and then add your coolant and scas until it is within spec.
When I do my total change over I am likely going to do cat elc (extended life coolant) which appears as my truck has that as my coolant is orange.
I need to do block heater, coolant filter, and all that so I am not ****ing with it until summer when I am gonna knock all of it out at once.
Essentially if your truck is doing ok now then the scas must be ok. A short amount of time is not very likely to **** your truck, if your SCA amounts are out of spec.
and then get SCA additive from napa and then add your coolant and scas until it is within spec.
When I do my total change over I am likely going to do cat elc (extended life coolant) which appears as my truck has that as my coolant is orange.
I need to do block heater, coolant filter, and all that so I am not ****ing with it until summer when I am gonna knock all of it out at once.
Essentially if your truck is doing ok now then the scas must be ok. A short amount of time is not very likely to **** your truck, if your SCA amounts are out of spec.
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i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
if you are going to be flushing it in a month or so, just put in green 50/50 premix and don't worry about it. nothing is going to happen in a few months.
you really should not mix different types antifreeze green stays with green, and gold stays with gold.
you really should not mix different types antifreeze green stays with green, and gold stays with gold.
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Laughing Gas
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From: Cross Lanes, WV
Speaking as someone who had to change engines due to cavitation.... Check existing coolant sca levels FIRST..then add as necessary. I only had my truck a short while when this happened. Obviously, previous owner knew nothing about maintaining proper levels in coolant.
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,244
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THey do in deed. I purchased expired ones and they don't work. All my tractor store had was 09 expiration. So I will just buy them online, instead of dealing with that again.
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,244
Likes: 40
Yep I figured that out. I read mine were expired and just were fun tried to read them and they didn't even come close to the color chart. If you want when I buy a big bottle like a 50 pack, I'll send you some? It helps cut down on the amount one has to use with the expiration date. I'd rather them not go to waste just sitting. Even once a month is only 12 a year.