OK, I'm new to the diesel scene. I got my truck last Friday, and yesterday was the first day I had driven the truck more than a mile or so from home. I really want to make sure I service and maintain my truck and engine properly, so I need a little advice here. On my way home from work yesterday, the top radiator hose popped off and I lost about half of my coolant before I could get pulled over (interstate highway, about 75mph). My dealership told me something about a TSB for those hose clamps, so I'll take care of that later. My question is, what kind of coolant to use? I have read the manual and I know it's not ordinary coolant. I also know about the FW-15 coolant conditioner, so I'll take care of that. Is there any coolant that will work other than what they sell at the dealer? I called both Auto Zone and Advance Auto, and neither knew what the heck I was talking about. Also, is there any other place to get the FW-15 other than the dealer? I also noticed the book said to use distilled water to mix with the coolant and also to flush the system? Does everyone else do this? Sorry to ask so many questions, but I just want to make sure I do things the right way here. Any help or advice will be greatly appreciated.........

 

I don't think there is FW-15 anymore, it's FW-15 now. Make sure you replace the coolant with the same type. The various coolants are NOT compatible. I also would not trust anything that your average auto parts store tells you. They typically no absolutely nothing about diesel engines. You might want to find an International service center near you and get the coolant from them.

 

I've always believed in using distilled water to mix with the coolant in ALL my vehicles, gasoline and diesel. Distilled water
will not cause mineral deposites to build up in the heater core,
and radiator.....

 

I get my coolant and other powerstroke "stuff" from my local International dealer or the Caterpillar dealer. My Ford dealer is very incompetent. IH will need your engine # located on top of the high pressure oil resevoir to look up part #'s. I use Cat long life coolant. It comes in a 50/50 mix or concentrated. its good for something like 250k mi. and already has the FW-15 in it. Check out Steve Baz's home page for a lot of good "newbie" info. http://pages.prodogy.net./stevebaz/index.html As Bob said, allways use distilled water even in gas engines. Make sure when Ford does your warranty work they use the proper coolant. good luck with your truck.

 

FW-15 is now FW-16 and you need a low silicate coolant.

Les

 

The Ford spec in the manual is ESE-M97B44-A. Does that indicate a low-silicate coolant? The coolant I purchased has that spec (along with about a dozen more from different manufacturers), so I presume it is OK. I noticed that "silicates" was on the ingredient list, but it was one of the last things listed. I got the coolant from a more reputable parts store than the Zone or AA. The fellow in there where I bought it told me there are only a couple antifreeze manufacturers in the U.S. so I would be curious to know exactly how the differing coolants actually compare.

As far as the FW-16, I bought it from my dealer (didn't have time to order it this time) and it was $7+ per 16-ounce bottle.

I appreciate all the advice! I don't see how anyone with any kind of Ford truck could get by without this place! The supply of useful information seems to be endless.........

 

The FW-16 is only $4.99 at Diesel Injection Service. Even with shipping it is still less than $7. I usually order mine with fuel additive in order to save on the shipping.

 

Just a couple of items for infomational purposes:

First, I was in a different Ford dealer Friday, so I thought I would check on the price of the FW-16 there. I would have guessed it to be cheaper, but it was actually higher at this place....over $8!

Also, I wanted to mention the coolant I used in my truck. It may not be the best there is, but I think it is pretty good stuff. It is Peak Full Force, for diesel trucks, and it "meets or exceeds" the following specifications:

ASTM D-3306
Ford ESE-M97B44-A
ASTM D-4340
GM 1825M (aluminum)
Chrysler MS7170
G.S.A. A-A-870
SAE J1034
ASTM D-4985
John Deere H24
Mack
Caterpillar
Cummins 90T8-4
RP-302B Maintenance Council
American Trucking
Volvo/GM heavy truck
SAE J1941
Freightliner 48-22880
GM 1899M (non aluminum)

All these are listed on the label. Have no idea what they all mean, but I DID notice that second one.........