Coolant Flush Frequency
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Coolant Flush Frequency
My truck is a 2004 6.0 diesel with about 50,000 miles. It use to be my daily driver but is now mostly my tow and haul vehicle. Two summers ago I had a blown head gasket. The Ford dealer told me that while the coolant would last 100,000 miles, sediment builds up a lot faster than that, which is what led to the head gasket failure. I read the Tech forum about how to do a flush -- great information. My question is, how frequently? The dealer told me to do it every 18-24 months. I probably drive about 2000 miles in that time period, most of it under some kind of load. I suspect that with how little I drive it, its more of a time issue than mileage. I'd rather not have to deal with another $5K repair, but that flush frequency seems a bit excessive. Thoughts?
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,076
Likes: 1
From: Las Vegas, Nevada
You should at least buy a scanguage II to monitor the coolant temp and oil temp., the SG II also provide other important informations for the engine performance.
Did you just replace the head gasket two years ago or the oil cooler and egr cooler were also replaced? From what I understand, blown head gasket wasn't just because dirty coolant. It is from clogged oil cooler due to particles from coolant which in turn crack the egr cooler, then the head gaskets. To prevent this, you need to check the condition of the oil cooler via temp difference between oil and engine.
Get a coolant filter to clean out the supense particles in the coolant.
There is a test for the coolant ph if you want to monitor it before the need to change every 24 months.
Other with more experience and knowledge will provide better explaination and guidance later...
Did you just replace the head gasket two years ago or the oil cooler and egr cooler were also replaced? From what I understand, blown head gasket wasn't just because dirty coolant. It is from clogged oil cooler due to particles from coolant which in turn crack the egr cooler, then the head gaskets. To prevent this, you need to check the condition of the oil cooler via temp difference between oil and engine.
Get a coolant filter to clean out the supense particles in the coolant.
There is a test for the coolant ph if you want to monitor it before the need to change every 24 months.
Other with more experience and knowledge will provide better explaination and guidance later...
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 8,241
Likes: 155
From: L.A. (Lower Alabama)
I like the 24month schedule. I plan on doing that with silicate free ELC, but honestly, ignoring it until it turns to mud is the real problem. These newer coolants are capable of going several years and still be serviceable.
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 8,241
Likes: 155
From: L.A. (Lower Alabama)
Not trying to be picky, but coolant can go bad in a vehicle that's never driven. Heat cycles will reduce coolants lifespan and mileage can work for you if you drive regularly, but really I think it's a time issue more than miles.
Trending Topics
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,376
Likes: 12
From: Illinois
I have often wondered about time vs miles.My truck sits alot in the winter.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
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
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!
Michael S. Palmer
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)
Joe Kucinski
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post