Coolant System Flush
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New User
Joined: Aug 2011
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Coolant System Flush
2011 F250 Lariat 6.7L
Just got the "Check Coolant Additive" message for the second round at about 27,000 miles, so I call the dealer to schedule a check and the first words from the service rep are that the system needs flushed and fluids replaced. First round check at 13,500 miles results were that the nitrite level was good(3.5). Is a complete flush realistic at this mileage? What have others seen from dealers as far as cost?
Just got the "Check Coolant Additive" message for the second round at about 27,000 miles, so I call the dealer to schedule a check and the first words from the service rep are that the system needs flushed and fluids replaced. First round check at 13,500 miles results were that the nitrite level was good(3.5). Is a complete flush realistic at this mileage? What have others seen from dealers as far as cost?
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That does not sound correct, I do not remember the exact mileage but the coolent should be good for almost 100k, the levels need to be check every 15k according to the book. i have 33k on mine 11 XLT. the XLT will NOT remind you to check coolent levels or at least mine has never reminded me. I think your truck is just reminding you to check the coolent not flush the entire system.
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Thanks for the insight. I thought flushing the system at 27,000 miles sounded suspicious. The truck has spent probably less than 1,000 of those miles towing anything so it definitely has not seen harsh duty. Of course this is the same dealer that when they checked it at 13,500 miles they said it needed additive so they "added VC-8" but when I questioned whether or not that was the correct additive they determined that they had not added any after all and everything was good.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Mar 2012
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From: Wisconsin
Thanks for the insight. I thought flushing the system at 27,000 miles sounded suspicious. The truck has spent probably less than 1,000 of those miles towing anything so it definitely has not seen harsh duty. Of course this is the same dealer that when they checked it at 13,500 miles they said it needed additive so they "added VC-8" but when I questioned whether or not that was the correct additive they determined that they had not added any after all and everything was good.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Gig Em, Tx
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Lead Driver
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From: Kaysville Utah
Please go read post #56 in this thread and get a better idea of what takes place when they test the coolant.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post12751321
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post12751321
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Post Fiend
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From: Greenwood, SC
Dealer service managers are held accountable for slow periods. They have meetings, they're expected to keep the shop busy. If things are slow, they get pressure, and then customers get pressure. If the shop is going through a slow period, they're all getting cuts in pay.
So, obviously the guy is trying to bring business up.
So, obviously the guy is trying to bring business up.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Gig Em, Tx
Dealer service managers are held accountable for slow periods. They have meetings, they're expected to keep the shop busy. If things are slow, they get pressure, and then customers get pressure. If the shop is going through a slow period, they're all getting cuts in pay.
So, obviously the guy is trying to bring business up.
So, obviously the guy is trying to bring business up.
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2010
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Not sure what book says about flushing system, but I do know that I just spent $1600.00 replacing radeator because of corrossion. So you can bet I will spend the $200 for flushinf system every 30 thousand miles from now on. Oh truck had 62 thousand miles.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2010
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Do you have the optional LCD screen in your XLT?
If so, that explains it.
The basic screen does not alert for coolant or fuel filters but does have the IOLM system.
If so, that explains it.
The basic screen does not alert for coolant or fuel filters but does have the IOLM system.