Hello Everyone... I'm a newbie here. I just bought a 2004 F350 6.0L Powerstroke with about 80,000 miles.

I would like to prove the coolant is effective. I'm running the Motorcraft Gold Antifreeze. Does anyone know which coolant test strips I need and where I can purchase them?

UPDATE: ANSWER

Acustrip® 3-Way HD Antifreeze Coolant Test Kit, Rotunda part numbers 328-2050-62291 and 328-20503R
http://www.acustrip.com/cgi-bin/proddesc.cgi?s=328-2050

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

2004-2008 F150-F550(ALL PLANTS) take YELLOW coolant.
Y = Yellow-colored engine coolant meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B51-A1 (Motorcraft® Gold Antifreeze/Coolant)

Motorcraft® Engine Coolant Name, Service Part Numbers
Motorcraft® Gold Antifreeze/Coolant Prediluted, VC-7DIL-B and VC-7DIL-D (USA), CVC-7DIL-B2 and CVC-7DIL-BD (Canada)
Motorcraft® Gold Antifreeze/Coolant Concentrated, VC-7-B and VC-7-D (USA), CVC-7-B2 (Canada)

Ford Specification: WSS-M97B51-A1

Acustrip® 3-Way HD Antifreeze Coolant Test Kit, Rotunda part numbers 328-2050-62291 and 328-20503R (RECOMMENDED)

Antifreeze Coolant ELC Contamination Kit, Rotunda part number 328-R071-ELC (NOT RECOMMENDED)

VC-1 – Motorcraft® Premium Cooling System Flush (RECOMMENDED)

VC-9 – Motorcraft® Engine Cooling System Iron Cleaner (for industrial use only)(Yes, but use only when directed per the vehicle's Workshop Manual or a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB)) (RECOMMENDED ONLY WHEN DIRECTED BY MANUAL OR TSB)


Here is some additional Information that may be helpful:
NOTE: This information is believed to be from FORD, but that can not be confirmed. Fleetguard DCA4 Test Strip Kit CC2602A is mentioned. The Ford site above specifies Acustrip® 3-Way HD Antifreeze Coolant Test Kit, Rotunda part numbers 328-2050-62291 and 328-20503R.

If you do not meet the severe driving definition: (No mention of VC8)
6 years or 105,000 miles (168,000 km) - change Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant (whichever comes first)
❑ After initial change - change Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant every 3 years or 45,000 miles (72,000 km)

If you meet the severe driving conditions: (Towing, which most of us do.)

It looks like you check the Nitrite level and add VC8 only when it is 800PPM or lower. When you flush with VC9 and fill the system with new VC7B you do not add VC8. You only add VC8 when nitrite level is lower than 800PPM.

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 600 hours of engine operation (whichever comes first)
Check the Nitrite level of the coolant using Fleetguard DCA4 Test Strip Kit CC2602A to determine if recharge is required. If the Nitrite level is above 800 ppm no action is required. If the Nitrite level is 800 ppm or lower add 32 fl. oz. (946 mL). of Supplemental Coolant Additive Motorcraft VC-8 or equivalent.


Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 1200 hours of engine operation (whichever comes first)
Check the Nitrite level of the coolant using Fleetguard DCA4 Test Strip Kit CC2602A to determine if recharge is required. If the Nitrite level is above 800 ppm no action is required. If the Nitrite level is 800 ppm or lower add 32 fl. oz. (946 mL.) of Supplemental Coolant Additive Motorcraft VC-8 or equivalent.

Every 45,000 miles (72,000 km) or 1800 hours of operation (whichever comes first)
Flush & refill engine coolant (refer to Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant Change Record) – Do not add Supplemental Coolant Additive
Note: When adding supplemental coolant additive, do not exceed the specified maximum of 32 fl. oz. (946 mL). Operating the engine with
excessive supplemental coolant additive can cause severe engine damage.

I HOPE THIS HELPS