Coolant purchase
Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,591
Likes: 14
From: Pflugerville, tx
why would you need to carry coolant around with you for a new truck? do they leak or use it somehow? sounds like a serious issue to me. I would expect to never have to add coolant to mine anytime between new and the recommended flush date unless a hose broke or something.
The diesels, we always try to keep an eye on things, and the degas bottle is one of those. It was down an inch cold.. how long, why, .. I don't know.
why carry it? why not.. no point leaving it at home for 3000 miles.
I expect not to use it.. I only checked my 08 drw once in 40,000 miles, similar just before a towing drive to Chicago. it was fine. (also bought used).
(Also bought 2 bottles of PM22 fuel additive).
Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,591
Likes: 14
From: Pflugerville, tx
the list price was 19.99.. no idea why he gave it to me at 12.80.
PM22 at 8.99.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 714
Likes: 1
this is a 'new to me' new vehicle, still under warranty. the vehicle requires coolant that is not on every shelf.
The diesels, we always try to keep an eye on things, and the degas bottle is one of those. It was down an inch cold.. how long, why, .. I don't know.
why carry it? why not.. no point leaving it at home for 3000 miles.
I expect not to use it.. I only checked my 08 drw once in 40,000 miles, similar just before a towing drive to Chicago. it was fine. (also bought used).
(Also bought 2 bottles of PM22 fuel additive).
The diesels, we always try to keep an eye on things, and the degas bottle is one of those. It was down an inch cold.. how long, why, .. I don't know.
why carry it? why not.. no point leaving it at home for 3000 miles.
I expect not to use it.. I only checked my 08 drw once in 40,000 miles, similar just before a towing drive to Chicago. it was fine. (also bought used).
(Also bought 2 bottles of PM22 fuel additive).
Your explanation makes perfect sense to me. If its hard to find I can see the desire to keep some at home and take it on a long trip also if I thought there was a possibility you would need some.What does that fuel additive do? you use it every tankful? Sorry to ask so many dumb questions but I might as well pick up a few pointers from the experts!
Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,591
Likes: 14
From: Pflugerville, tx
Fair enough. Im new to diesels also, got 1000 miles on mine, figured you had a good reason and i wanted to hear it and learn something. Ive never seen coolant level fluctuate enough on a gas motor to the point you would be compelled to add some so I had to ask! . Your explanation makes perfect sense to me. If its hard to find I can see the desire to keep some at home and take it on a long trip also if I thought there was a possibility you would need some.
What does that fuel additive do? you use it every tankful? Sorry to ask so many dumb questions but I might as well pick up a few pointers from the experts!
Your explanation makes perfect sense to me. If its hard to find I can see the desire to keep some at home and take it on a long trip also if I thought there was a possibility you would need some.What does that fuel additive do? you use it every tankful? Sorry to ask so many dumb questions but I might as well pick up a few pointers from the experts!
Rumor has it that the Ford Cetane additive will help with mileage. I am driving my dually 3000 miles.. so 1 mpg is a decent gain. we'll see..
my 2008 got 9 towing 7000lbs and 11 around town empty. the 2012 looks like 14-15 empty (15.6 on the lom) and maybe 10.5-11 towing (13,000 lbs). Illinois heavy biodiesel.. so a Cetane additive will be helpful. our schedule has changed and I think I get to miss Illinois all together this trip.
they say it can't hurt. glad I have the dually for towing and stability.. wish I had the 3.31 gears for mileage. my 2012 250 got 18+ on the highway at 75-80.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 451
Likes: 1
why would you need to carry coolant around with you for a new truck? do they leak or use it somehow? sounds like a serious issue to me. I would expect to never have to add coolant to mine anytime between new and the recommended flush date unless a hose broke or something.
I don't know about other people, but I always carry some spare fluids on board (along with other tools, gear, simple spare parts like bulbs, and so on).
From years of driving commercial trucks I'm used to doing a pre-trip inspection. Which, is a good idea, even on private trucks. Especially in my state, since all diesel trucks between 10k and 18k GVWR are considered self-inspected.
You walk around, check your fluids, tires, and so on. If your coolant is a little low (you do loose some over time from evaporation, pumping frictions, and coolant oxidation) you can add some. If your oil gets a little low, you can add some. It's all part of basic maintenance and vehicle care. Remember, federal and state laws say that you, as the driver, are responsible for ensuring your vehicle is mechanically sound and in peak operating condition.
Plus, like you mentioned, it's also good to have on board in case an issue does arise (like a blown hose, cracked radiator, whatever). Today's trucks aren't like those of the past where you could refill the radiator with river water with no worries.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 451
Likes: 1
It should have been the Ford Orange. For your sake I hope it wasn't Ford Gold, since that's not compatible with the Ford orange in the 6.7L (both come in a red bottle). If it's Ford Gold than you just contaminated the system with nitrates.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 714
Likes: 1
I don't know about other people, but I always carry some spare fluids on board (along with other tools, gear, simple spare parts like bulbs, and so on).
From years of driving commercial trucks I'm used to doing a pre-trip inspection. Which, is a good idea, even on private trucks. Especially in my state, since all diesel trucks between 10k and 18k GVWR are considered self-inspected.
You walk around, check your fluids, tires, and so on. If your coolant is a little low (you do loose some over time from evaporation, pumping frictions, and coolant oxidation) you can add some. If your oil gets a little low, you can add some. It's all part of basic maintenance and vehicle care. Remember, federal and state laws say that you, as the driver, are responsible for ensuring your vehicle is mechanically sound and in peak operating condition.
Plus, like you mentioned, it's also good to have on board in case an issue does arise (like a blown hose, cracked radiator, whatever). Today's trucks aren't like those of the past where you could refill the radiator with river water with no worries.
From years of driving commercial trucks I'm used to doing a pre-trip inspection. Which, is a good idea, even on private trucks. Especially in my state, since all diesel trucks between 10k and 18k GVWR are considered self-inspected.
You walk around, check your fluids, tires, and so on. If your coolant is a little low (you do loose some over time from evaporation, pumping frictions, and coolant oxidation) you can add some. If your oil gets a little low, you can add some. It's all part of basic maintenance and vehicle care. Remember, federal and state laws say that you, as the driver, are responsible for ensuring your vehicle is mechanically sound and in peak operating condition.
Plus, like you mentioned, it's also good to have on board in case an issue does arise (like a blown hose, cracked radiator, whatever). Today's trucks aren't like those of the past where you could refill the radiator with river water with no worries.
Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,591
Likes: 14
From: Pflugerville, tx
Yes, my fault. The bottle does say Orange.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 501
Likes: 1
From: Pacific NW
System occasionally need to burp and such given the ambient temperature at the time of manufacture versus where it is at present. That's why the degas bottle has a full fill that is roughly midway on the bottle. It's designed to allow some fluid back in there, but at times the system can take-in even more fluid than was filled at the factory. So a little extra fluid may be needed. Typically after that you don't really need to add anymore fluid. I only added a tiny bit to my F-150 to put it at the full mark and I never added anymore again.
Thread Starter
|
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,376
Likes: 1,861
From: Frederick, MD
I occasionally added a bit to my 6.4 over the years. Not due to a leak but I truly believed due to the hot temps under the hood from heavy towing.
My oil analysis always came back just fine.
I would not be surprised if there is some seasonal changes here as well due to temp variations.
My oil analysis always came back just fine.
I would not be surprised if there is some seasonal changes here as well due to temp variations.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Resendiz
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
7
Nov 30, 2017 02:03 PM
Resendiz
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
41
Oct 21, 2016 12:46 AM