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I noticed several months ago the coolant temp gauge wasn't getting up to normal operating range, hooked up the scan tool and confirmed coolant temps were staying around 172* F.
popped the hood and found the coolant overflow tank was low, tried to remove the coolant cap and it just spun with a random clicking sound... never came off.
Decided it was time for a Mishimoto 200* thermostat, new coolant overflow tank and drain the Green Zerex low silicate coolant and refill with Cat EC-1.
I found a source for the Cat EC-1 coolant at MHC truck centers and it was less expensive, @ $12.60 a gallon, than I expected.
I got the new overflow tank installed, drained the coolant and pulled the thermostat to discover my truck has an aftermarket thermostat and housing installed and the Mishimoto thermostat doesn't fit in an aftermarket housing.
I ordered a motorcraft thermostat and housing from Rockauto and was able to install the Mishimoto thermostat in the motorcraft housing.
After your flush there will be a lot of water in the cooling system. It's hard to keep your 50/50 mix if it's 50/50 coming out of the jug. Concentrate coolant is better and CAT dealers aren't big on stocking it.
I noticed several months ago the coolant temp gauge wasn't getting up to normal operating range, hooked up the scan tool and confirmed coolant temps were staying around 172* F.
popped the hood and found the coolant overflow tank was low, tried to remove the coolant cap and it just spun with a random clicking sound... never came off.
Decided it was time for a Mishimoto 200* thermostat, new coolant overflow tank and drain the Green Zerex low silicate coolant and refill with Cat EC-1.
I found a source for the Cat EC-1 coolant at MHC truck centers and it was less expensive, @ $12.60 a gallon, than I expected.
I got the new overflow tank installed, drained the coolant and pulled the thermostat to discover my truck has an aftermarket thermostat and housing installed and the Mishimoto thermostat doesn't fit in an aftermarket housing.
I ordered a motorcraft thermostat and housing from Rockauto and was able to install the Mishimoto thermostat in the motorcraft housing.
Very nice, sounds like you are ready for hot-season. Thanks for picking up our thermostat. Let us know what you think after you put some mileage on the truck!
After your flush there will be a lot of water in the cooling system. It's hard to keep your 50/50 mix if it's 50/50 coming out of the jug. Concentrate coolant is better and CAT dealers aren't big on stocking it.
Rusty is being too easy on you.
DO NOT USE 50/50 MIX.
INSTRUCTIONS ARE VERY SPECIFIC ABOUT USING CONCENTRATE.
DO NOT USE 50/50 MIX.
DO NOT USE 50/50 MIX.
After multiple fill/drain with distilled water, close all plugs/pet***** and pour in 3.5 gallons of Concentrated ELC-1.
Top off with distilled water. You now have a 50/50 mixture.
Last edited by 11jjonn; Apr 29, 2015 at 08:20 PM.
Reason: added info
DO NOT USE 50/50 MIX.
INSTRUCTIONS ARE VERY SPECIFIC ABOUT USING CONCENTRATE.
DO NOT USE 50/50 MIX.
DO NOT USE 50/50 MIX.
After multiple fill/drain with distilled water, close all plugs/pet***** and pour in 3.5 gallons of Concentrated ELC-1.
Top off with distilled water. You now have a 50/50 mixture.
At least around here, NAPA carries the Zerex CAT-approved ELC in both full strength and 50/50 varieties. Interestingly enough, the price is about the same for either "flavor".
I skipped my local CAT dealer the second time around. I had to order and wait for it the first time. The guy at the counter said " all we ever use is the premix" three times at least. Made me feel like a jerk for insisting on the concentrate. I found Shell Rotella at my local Tractor Supply. Silicate free, CAT EC-1 rated, concentrate for a decent price.
spring flush and fill
