Coolant Mixture Questions
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Coolant Mixture Questions
About a month ago I had my coolant flushed out at a shop. I supplied them with 5 gal of coolant but they only used 2 gal of it. They did use a lot of distilled water that I also supplied to flush and finial fill so I know it is a complete job. My Prestone Coolant tester does not work on diesel coolant so the needle goes straight up and I don't know how much "protection" it has. It is the correct color and everything. I did put a little more ( 15 oz or less) of straight coolant in the tank to help. I've also heard for makesShould I be concerned about the mixture or just leave it as is? Which testers work for this coolant? It doesn't every drop below 10 degrees here.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,723
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From: Roseburg, OR
I personally wouldn't chance it.
I would flush thoroughly with distilled water until clear. Close up block drains, petcock, and secure hoses. Fill from the degas bottle 3.5 gallons of full strength coolant and finish tipping off with distilled water.
I would flush thoroughly with distilled water until clear. Close up block drains, petcock, and secure hoses. Fill from the degas bottle 3.5 gallons of full strength coolant and finish tipping off with distilled water.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 13,834
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From: Middle Tn.
You still won't know what the % of mix is. Guessing is not a good idea on these motors. They are stout but susceptable to improper maint.
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Possibly, I've heard others have had the same problems with them. I will try another brand and see if it's any better. If one of them works, that would take all the guesswork out and I could make sure I have the right ratio.
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Ethylene, propylene or any other variant of glycol is no different between gas and diesels.
Even at 50/50 mix you might see -45 protection versus the normal -35.
Josh
Even at 50/50 mix you might see -45 protection versus the normal -35.
Josh
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Josh
Fleet Owner
Joined: Apr 2012
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From: Spanaway
Sorry about the little 
But I got some test strips at Ford and they gave me the FleetStrips
And as pre the Other instructions I ignored the MOLYBDATE
This is what I got Freeze point was in the -30º and the NITRITE looked to be at the 500 PPM
because it was between the 300~800 pad.
Now if I read the Ford Power Stroke® Diesel Operating, Maintenance & Care Tips
I find this part here.
Take Care of Your Coolant �� The coolant concentration should be maintained at
50/50 mix of coolant and distilled water. The level of coolant should be maintained at the "COLD FILL"
range in the coolant reservoir. If you suspect any coolant system leaks or lack of cooling, pressure
test the cooling system. Refer to your Owner Guide for additional information. �� Engine coolant system
nitrite strength should be checked and serviced at the mileage or equivalent hour intervals specified
by the maintenance schedule. Check coolant nitrite strength using the 3-Way Antifreeze Test Strip kit
Rotunda # 328-00001 to determine if additive is required. If the nitrite strength is between
800 ppm & 300 ppm add 32 fl. oz. (946 mL) of Supplemental Coolant Additive Motorcraft VC-8 or equivalent.
If nitrite strength is below 300 ppm flush & refill engine coolant (refer to Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant
Change Record) – Do not add Supplemental Coolant Additive if flush & refill is required.
So the BIG Question is Do I need to add the package?
Also I tried one of the cheap floating ball testers and they all sank like the coolant was shot.
Sean
But I got some test strips at Ford and they gave me the FleetStrips
And as pre the Other instructions I ignored the MOLYBDATE
This is what I got Freeze point was in the -30º and the NITRITE looked to be at the 500 PPM
because it was between the 300~800 pad.
Now if I read the Ford Power Stroke® Diesel Operating, Maintenance & Care Tips
I find this part here.
Take Care of Your Coolant �� The coolant concentration should be maintained at
50/50 mix of coolant and distilled water. The level of coolant should be maintained at the "COLD FILL"
range in the coolant reservoir. If you suspect any coolant system leaks or lack of cooling, pressure
test the cooling system. Refer to your Owner Guide for additional information. �� Engine coolant system
nitrite strength should be checked and serviced at the mileage or equivalent hour intervals specified
by the maintenance schedule. Check coolant nitrite strength using the 3-Way Antifreeze Test Strip kit
Rotunda # 328-00001 to determine if additive is required. If the nitrite strength is between
800 ppm & 300 ppm add 32 fl. oz. (946 mL) of Supplemental Coolant Additive Motorcraft VC-8 or equivalent.
If nitrite strength is below 300 ppm flush & refill engine coolant (refer to Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant
Change Record) – Do not add Supplemental Coolant Additive if flush & refill is required.
So the BIG Question is Do I need to add the package?
Also I tried one of the cheap floating ball testers and they all sank like the coolant was shot.
Sean
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 8,241
Likes: 155
From: L.A. (Lower Alabama)
I'd double check to be sure and if the nitrate IS that low do a flush and fill. If it's fresh it's weak mix and if it's that worn down new coolant and flush is better. I understand the SCA is going to turn the coolant green which could cause confusion in the future.
On the ball type testers, they simply read specific gravity and work with almost all antifreeze (excluding alcohol based stuff). Results are temperature dependant. Hot coolant is thinner and will measure a bit lower protection for example. Good to check at a warm temp you could put your hand in.
On the ball type testers, they simply read specific gravity and work with almost all antifreeze (excluding alcohol based stuff). Results are temperature dependant. Hot coolant is thinner and will measure a bit lower protection for example. Good to check at a warm temp you could put your hand in.