Coolant change

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May 5, 2015 | 07:41 AM

golfgooroo

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Coolant change

Howdy. Did a search but didn't find much info on the actual change of the coolant, just the alarm messages on checking the coolant. I'm about to delete but also need to change out the coolant. I read a couple of recommendations to take to dealer for the flush since we have a primary and secondary system. Is that the major consensus? I've always done coolant changes myself but a lot changes with these trucks. Please provide your input as I'm guessing I should get the coolant changed prior to the delete. Thanks!

May 5, 2015 | 08:31 AM

darren32

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Joined: Apr 2011

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From: Edmonton Alberta

Here are the procedures from the manual. They recommend a vacuum filler but give a procedure for use without one.

Attached Images

Cooling - Primary.pdf (61.9 KB, 257 views)

Cooling - Secondary.pdf (59.4 KB, 339 views)

May 5, 2015 | 11:34 AM

Painted Horse

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From: Kaysville Utah

The coolant has a 105,000 mile life expectancy. But in reading the diesel supplement there are a lot of conditions where they recommend 60,000 mile change intervals. Towing, idling, cold weather operations. Sound like I should be changing mine every 60k

May 5, 2015 | 11:36 AM

darren32

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From: Edmonton Alberta

I just get a new rad ... or turbo every 60,000 so I don't have to worry about it

May 6, 2015 | 04:57 AM

ruschejj

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Joined: Jan 2009

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From: Greenwood, SC

That's just about right Darren. I don't think I've ever been able to get over 100,000 miles without something needing service which involves using new coolant. Kind of a bummer but it is what it is.....usual culprit is radiator, my 2011 lost a water pump though as well. Both happened before coolant change was needed. Then I got a whole new motor and it was due for new coolant when I sold it at 242,000.

So, since 2007, I've never been able to keep a powerstroke cooling system intact long enough to change out the coolant on schedule. That's something like 5 trucks (business uses 2 trucks, one of them is mine). Pretty sad.....

May 6, 2015 | 08:26 AM

darren32

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From: Edmonton Alberta

You are right Joel , it is pretty sad but it is what is is.

I also had a water pump in there I forgot about so I am probably only running about 35,000 miles on coolant....... (3 changes in 100,000 miles fairly evenly spaced out)

May 6, 2015 | 08:11 PM

kper05

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Joined: Jan 2010

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I've had two changes in 5,000 miles...I'm not doing much better, lol! Thankfully my radiator has been great but I'm going to regret bringing it up now.