2012 6.7
Noticed my coolant level in the primary tank was low. Thought it was totally empty but it had about a half inch left in it. Topped it off and also needed about a quarter inch in the secondary. I would say about a half gallon between the two. Truck was at about 36k. Has 37.5 on it now and haven't noticed any loss. Never smelled anything, no signs of any leakage. Oil looks fine.
Is this 'normal'? Owners manual says to check and add. Never had this with a gasser or any of my tractors over the past 30 years. This is my first light diesel.

 

Mine get lower than normal from time to time. No leaks. I tow about 95% of the time and figured it was somehow burnt off from getting so hot. My 6.4's did the same thing.

 

My new 16 I just got 3 weeks ago with 7 miles uses coolant. Added 3 times now. Been hot on the road.90 -94 f. At times.

 

Just make sure you put the right coolant in. The 6.7L engine uses a OAT based coolant. This has 0% Nitrates. Previous Ford Diesels used a coolant that was Nitrate based. The two are not compatible.

I found that my coolant would be slightly low every 35,000 miles and thats when I added the Coolant Rejuvinator. There was always enough room to add with out going over the max fill line

 

Thx. I'm going to have the additive levels checked next service. I actually went to the dealer and got the Gord branded coolant premixed. Same price as parts store and no question if warranty issue came up.

 

I assume GorD is really Ford, and not Gold coolant. Gold is what the 6.0's took. Orange is what the 6.7's take.

 

Yep. Sorry. Ford. It was the orange coolant. I read through the owners manual before going in. Parts genius swore I needed the gold stuff. Mechanic was in there and verified orange.

 

Excellent work. For others new to the 6.7 that mistake would cost you a few dollars in flush/fill.

 

In our manual there is spec numbers for the coolant. I bought a gallon that had that number on it at carquest

 

I started noticing my primary system needing coolant. Then I started smelling t but could not see anything. Finally noticed some drops under front driver's side. Radiator leaking. Repaired under warranty. The whole process took about a month and a half. Keep watching it.

 

I noticed on my 2011 that the coolant liked to settle at a certain point in the reservoir. Lower than I would like since it would sit a hair below the black part or low line. But as soon as it was topped off it would fall back to that point. If you look at the underside of the hood over the res. it looked like coolant was spit out of the res. After one top of, I left it alone and that was that... I only had 40k on it when I traded it in, so PH's experience is certainly better than mine.

My 2015 was a tad low from the dealer and I topped it off, but haven't had a chance to drive it enough to see if it does the same thing. Also as the cold sets in where it is now, the coolant level drops a lot more than where I was in the South Florida heat with my 2011 6.7....

Having said all that, check your radiator especially the bottom corner by the drivers side. (as already mentioned) If you lose coolant to the bottom of the res or it goes down and not out the overflow there is an issue somewhere. With all the coolant lines it is possible to leak and burn coolant thru the exhaust and not smell it or see it if it is a small leak. Remember that your exhaust is REALLY hot and goes through a couple of rather long filters before it exits the vehicle. Small leaks do add up though.

Since you are under warranty - I would get the dealer involved. Ford Service (Crystal) can help if you need it or have issues.

 

Can you test oat coolant for exhaust leaks? To check the status of the head gasket. Not sure if the test strips work with OAT coolant.

 

That's a good tech question. The test strips are multi-part and do test for contamination.

Capt. Caper - Are you sure everything is normal with it using coolant?

 

Mine was down over last winter. So I added a bit.


As the temps warmed my coolant expanded.


Sitting for a 12 hour soak and checking is the most accurate. I am now just above the cold full line.


Be sure to check your coolant weekly and the radiator and take a peak in the valley of the motor as well.


Always pop the hood when towing and fueling back up. Just a quick visual will help.

 

I'm not sure of anything yet.. I have "min and max" on the overflow container. I am watching it. I did add coolant 3 times..Now I'll monitor the container in the morning cold and while hot and towing until I get back to NH from Utah next week.