I'd like to get the opinions of my fellow FTE memebers on this one. When I was changing the oil on my 02' F-350 PSD (29K miles thus far) prior to deploying to SWA, I noticed an oil leak that had covered the front of the oil pan. When I got back I took it to the local Ford Dealership, they determined the external oil pump's housing gasket was leaking. The mechanic (13 yrs experience) changed the entire housing. In order to change the housing, the radiatior had to be removed. When I went to pick up my truck, I checked under the hood (standard operating procedure with me). I immediately noticed the coolant was now green! It had come from the factory gold colored!

I talked with the mechanic about this, he said based on my engine's serial number it called for the green coolant, plus the book also said it called for green. I didn't think this sounded quite right but I had to meet an arriving aircraft and had to leave.

When I got home I looked in my Owner's Guide Supplement for the 7.3 liter Powerstroke, on page 53 note 3 under coolant system it says "Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle." On page 54, there is a separate specification & part number for the green and gold coolants. I called the service manager and queried him on this discrepancy, he tried to tell me they were both the same with the exception the green coolant required the Engine Coolant Additive FW-16. In the end he agreed to replace with the gold coolant. Am I being too picky? What say ye?

 

No, you are NOT being too picky. Ford themselves have stated that the green and gold coolants are not interchangeable.

So where's home station Chief?

 

cookie88,

Altus AFB Ok.