Which Dexcool to get?

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Oct 9, 2016 | 06:48 AM

BCM

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Which Dexcool to get?

On the road with the fifth wheel and the check engine light came on. The scan showed P2560 as the code. Google search alluded to 'low coolant level.' I am about an inch from the cold fill line. Of course, it is a Sunday so dealers are closed. An internet search shows that the majority say it is ok to use Dexcool 50/50 to top it off. Does the consensus still show that? There is a WalMart near my next stop and would like to top it off. I've never had it replaced (only 65K miles), so it is still the original coolant. Not sure about any leaks, assuming just five years of use caused it to go away. Will worry about that when I'm not parked on gravel later.

Can someone post a link to the WalMart Dexcool that is recommended? If Dexcool isn't recommended, please post a link to something that is so I get the right stuff. Truly appreciated. Thank you.

Oct 9, 2016 | 07:23 AM

senix

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From: Frederick, MD

I loose a little on occasion. I think the hot temps and changing ambient temps has a little to do with it.

Exactly why I carry a gallon on board. I am running the motorcraft stuff as I could not find a consensus as to whether the off the shelf stuff is ok.

Get the spec # out of the owners manual and see if wally world or your local auto parts has it. (the spec stuff). Maybe a auto parts store would be best as they might be able to cross reference it.

Oct 9, 2016 | 09:07 AM

Just Strokin

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From: Tallassee, ALabama

As long as the bottle states it meets Ford's WSSM97B44 spec, you can use Dex-Cool or any of the other orange coolants. DO NOT USE GREEN NOR GOLD COOLANTS!

Remember, someone had to make the Motorcraft Coolant for Ford, might be Prestone, Peak or another MFG.

Oct 9, 2016 | 11:21 PM

mebe2k

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From: Ford, WA

i've been running Rotella ELC (red) in mine for over a year.. no issues..if it lasts 300+K miles in the big trucks, it will last in my 6.7

Oct 14, 2016 | 06:59 AM

BCM

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Just a followup on this. Because I couldn't get a definitive answer I just continued down the road hoping the light wouldn't come back on... it didn't. Spoke to my service writer en route and he stated DexCool is an approved alternative so I could have used that. This is the definitive answer I was looking for and hope it helps others.

I did pick up the Motorcraft stuff yesterday and will keep a bottle on board.

Thanks for all the input.

Oct 14, 2016 | 07:30 AM

Just Strokin

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From: Tallassee, ALabama

I gave you the Ford Spec number that should have been on either of the Dex-Cool bottles, full or 50/50 strength. It should also be on the Peak or other ELC coolant bottles.

This spec number is in your owner's manual.

Oct 14, 2016 | 07:51 AM

BCM

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You did but I couldn't find it on the bottle and two AutoZone dudes with better eyes couldn't see it anywhere either so I walked away.

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Oct 14, 2016 | 06:11 PM

FullMetalDiesel

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Just Strokin

Prestone or Peak would have been as good as Dex-Cool

I think it would help If a picture is posted pictures of the Dexcool you are referencing? As this is the only Dex-cool product I see for Prestone. So there aren't worries with our engine or turbo seals with this one below??

<a href='https://postimg.org/image/mksfje7wt/' target='_blank'><img src='https://s14.postimg.org/wi3gcgfip/7020008_pst_af850_pri_larg.jpg' border='0' alt="7020008_pst_af850_pri_larg"/></a><br/><br/>
<a href='https://postimg.org/image/70l1suxsd/' target='_blank'><img src='https://s14.postimg.org/ipp1gtor5/a23f2277_6e1d_4d32_ad73_7576f8c05166_1_aa05d16e5.j pg' border='0' alt="a23f2277-6e1d-4d32-ad73-7576f8c05166_1.aa05d16e5"/></a><br/><br/>

Oct 14, 2016 | 09:16 PM

#10

Dakster

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I would have used a little distilled water to top it off until I could get the correct coolant. (and then adjust the mixture with 100% coolant when I got what I now is the right stuff)

Is yours below the cold line when the motor is at operating temp?

The previous couple of 6.7s I have had when cold the level is just below the line, at operating temps the coolant is about 1/2 way up the translucent part of the degas bottle...

Oct 14, 2016 | 09:29 PM

#11

FullMetalDiesel

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Quote:

Originally Posted by mebe2k

i've been running Rotella ELC (red) in mine for over a year.. no issues..if it lasts 300+K miles in the big trucks, it will last in my 6.7

Thats good to know! How many miles since then?

Oct 15, 2016 | 07:00 AM

#12

BCM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by FullMetalDiesel

Those are them. One is already diluted (the 50/50) and the other needs to be diluted with distilled water. What I was concerned about was the GM emblem on them.