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I took the fleet charge back. Now I am really confused. Without reading 20 pages of research, what can I safety put in my 01 7.3? Preferably something I can get somewhere other than ford. I work all day and can’t get to dealer. And by the way, I called 3 dealers and got 3 completely different answers on what to use. Jeez
Ok guys. Picked up some Final Charge today. Here’s the question. When I checked yesterday, I added 1/2 gallon of distilled water to bring it to cold fill. Ran all day (about 200 miles) in 97 degree hot southern weather. Temp ran cool and AC ran fine. So, I checked it today and noticed I’ve lost about a quart (I’m guessing). You think it just pulled more into engine block, etc?
The oil is at same level and very clean. I see no leaks around thermostat, hoses or anywhere. Everything looks dry as a bone. So, unless I have a tiny hole somewhere, I’m stumped. Any ideas?
2nd question. From drawing some fluid out, it looks gold/yellowish but the eater may diluted green. It’s almost water color. So, I was thinking of adding some antifreeze. I have the final change and regular Prestone stuff. Or should I add more distilled water?
Also, I’m assuming I should wait on flush until I figure this out.
I once had a leak on the flange that bolts onto the water pump and connects to the lower radiator hose. It took me forever to pin point it because the leak was so small it seemed to be drying up as it was leaking. I only found it after the o-ring between the flange and water pump failed completely. After that the coolant level in the reservoir seemed to settle maybe an inch below the cold mark. If I topped it off, the level would go back down, but when I left it alone, it stayed for well over a year before I needed to top off again. Then here recently when I couldn't pin point a pretty good leak I got some UV leak detector and a UV flashlight. Then all the oil that was dripping down around the oil pan and everywhere else started glowing, and I found a crack in the block right above the oil filter.
If your truck has a trans cooler in the radiator check the ATF to make sure it's not going there. Not likely, but if it is going to the trans an immediate trans flush is in order.
Well guys I did the flush today. Interesting note.... this thing had no antifreeze.... maybe just a tad but it was mostly water. Very clean but just clear water.
Did the flush and all seems good. I will see if I’m loosing any anywhere now.
On another note. My AC has been cycling to warm blow occasionally... I thought it was the clutch issue I was going to fix next. Think the lack of antifreeze has anything to do with AC not blowing cold?
On another note. My AC has been cycling to warm blow occasionally... I thought it was the clutch issue I was going to fix next. Think the lack of antifreeze has anything to do with AC not blowing cold?
It's technically possible, but I don't think it is. There is always hot coolant (or in your case water) running through the heater core even if the heat is off. The air is not directed through the heater so it doesn't get hot, but the radiant heat can raise the air a few degrees.
Some Rangers and Excursions came with a valve that redirects this fluid from entering the heater core when MAX A/C is selected. you can do this as a simple mod, but as I said I really don't think this is going to be the cause. It seems unlikely that it would have that profound of an effect.
Does your AC compressor cycle on and off frequently? Does it run at all? Does it not get cold at all?
I have attached a few videos I think might be relevant.
The AC runs cold 95% of the time. Occasionally, it will blow just air for about 3 to 4 minutes. It always comes back to cold. I did measure the gap on the clutch and it’s .050. So, I am assuming that’s my problem.
i started up the truck today to drive to store with new, top-off Final Charge. Got to the store and it’s leaking like a water hose from somewhere under the water pump. I hurry home to drain the high-dollar antifreeze (still leaking). Put water back in so I can maybe take to mechanic. Start it up, it leaks water for just a minute then stops leaking. The water is holding its level with no leaks. What the hell?
Keep in mind, it did not leak before (or at least anything I could see on driveway.). I’ve only added about a gallon or so of distilled water since I’ve had it. But it was leaking antifreeze at a rate that I didn’t think I would make it home. It was leaking just as much as when draining from drain tube. Probably lost a gallon or so in a two mile trip.
i started up the truck today to drive to store with new, top-off Final Charge. Got to the store and it’s leaking like a water hose from somewhere under the water pump. I hurry home to drain the high-dollar antifreeze (still leaking). Put water back in so I can maybe take to mechanic. Start it up, it leaks water for just a minute then stops leaking. The water is holding its level with no leaks. What the hell?
Keep in mind, it did not leak before (or at least anything I could see on driveway.). I’ve only added about a gallon or so of distilled water since I’ve had it. But it was leaking antifreeze at a rate that I didn’t think I would make it home. It was leaking just as much as when draining from drain tube. Probably lost a gallon or so in a two mile trip.
Any ideas before I take it somewhere????
thanks JED
Very suspicious for a bad waterpump. There is a weep hole in the waterpump that will start leaking when it fails. Pretty common. In my experience the waterpump only last about 150k miles. The red coolant also makes it easier to find the leaks.
My recommendation is to drain the coolant, put a new water pump on, add a coolant filter (you can either get a kit or a water pump from International with a filter housing built in) and re fill.
The 7.3L from Ford didn't come with a coolant filter because it was intended for more consumer use. When International sold the 7.3L as the T444E they included a coolant filter because commercial vehicles tend to get more reliable service. Only makes sense to add one since the manufacturer did.
Great read I'll keep you posted how my 04 turns out with red final charge. Bought this truck for 5k and hobbled it home. Didn't diagnose it much. Was told it wad leaking oil from oil cooler. It had no antifreeze during teardown....
Since that's a 6.0 and not a 7.3 engine most folks here will not have the chops to answer your questions. Hopefully a moderator can move your posts to a 6.0 forum to get wiser eyes on it.
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