Coolant
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Freshman User
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Coolant
I know this has been covered before. But I'd like some "updated" information. What's the consensus on the best coolant for 7.3 idi? ELC? Or just put SCAs in it? Reason I ask is I've had my truck since April. 2k left to an oil change and was gonna change coolant maybe. The coolant is still pretty green and I know the owner added a pint of SCA additive every so often. Also where is everyone's temp gauge running at? I feel like mine might be running cold
Methanoholic
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 6,442
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From: Maine (NorCal Native)
The IDI was built during the times of regular green coolant with additives ... ELC's were not really being used yet at the time.
Is that saying ELC's are not good for it ... Nope!
Just not what it was designed for!
-Enjoy
fh : )_~
Is that saying ELC's are not good for it ... Nope!
Just not what it was designed for!
-Enjoy
fh : )_~
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,488
Likes: 22
From: The Big, Oregon
I ran LL universal yellow coolant in mine for four years without issue, on the new version it'll be red Delo ELC as that is the best stuff I have available at work.
Unfortunately pretty much anything will cool the engine, but the major concern is with cavitation. That may take years to show up, if at all.
Unfortunately pretty much anything will cool the engine, but the major concern is with cavitation. That may take years to show up, if at all.
More Turbo
Joined: Feb 2014
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From: New Braunfels
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Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,488
Likes: 22
From: The Big, Oregon
Since the real need in these engines is cavitation resistance, why don't we use an ultrasonic cleaner to test a few types of coolant? It's not overly scientific, but those cleaners work by inducing cavitation. If coolant A makes fewer bubbles than coolant B, it would be safe to assume it had more cavitation resistance, right?
Maybe test a few different types, some old stuff, pre- and post- treatment coolant.
I may need to go get a cleaner again.
Maybe test a few different types, some old stuff, pre- and post- treatment coolant.
I may need to go get a cleaner again.
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,860
Likes: 7
Since the real need in these engines is cavitation resistance, why don't we use an ultrasonic cleaner to test a few types of coolant? It's not overly scientific, but those cleaners work by inducing cavitation. If coolant A makes fewer bubbles than coolant B, it would be safe to assume it had more cavitation resistance, right?
Maybe test a few different types, some old stuff, pre- and post- treatment coolant.
I may need to go get a cleaner again.
Maybe test a few different types, some old stuff, pre- and post- treatment coolant.
I may need to go get a cleaner again.
As far as reducing bubbles go, I think having more coolant pressure does that(in addition to increasing the boiling point.
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