coolant flush
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Cross-Country
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 92
Likes: 0
From: Deep Southern Illinois
coolant flush
What is the volume capacity of the coolant for the 6.0? What ratio of ELC/Distilled water should be achieved for an F350 dually pulling a 14k lb trailer in the summer relative to the effect, if any on the air conditioner? Any method or trick to removing trapped air in the system would be appreciated, I don't have access to a vacuum pump. Thanks!
Tuned
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 479
Likes: 34
I always mix mine 50/50. Capacity- roughly 7 Gallons.
Make sure you pull the block drains. The first couple times I did my flush , out of lack of knowledge , I didn't pull mine. The last time I did mine, I also pulled the T stat out. It's much faster. I would suggest replacing the T stat as well.
I have never had any issue with air bubbles, run it with the cap off , idling away in Park. Cut the cap on, take it for a tour, come back and top it up. It has always worked for me!
Make sure you pull the block drains. The first couple times I did my flush , out of lack of knowledge , I didn't pull mine. The last time I did mine, I also pulled the T stat out. It's much faster. I would suggest replacing the T stat as well.
I have never had any issue with air bubbles, run it with the cap off , idling away in Park. Cut the cap on, take it for a tour, come back and top it up. It has always worked for me!
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Cross-Country
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 92
Likes: 0
From: Deep Southern Illinois
the drain plugs will be pulled with the coolant drain, drop starter, replace with Fumoto valves. Tstat cold failed last fall, will be out at the drain cycle. replacing tstat (MotorCraft 195) The mechanic refused to use my Mishimoto 200 due to his experience with not sealing/leaks.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,491
Likes: 295
From: Fresno, CA
The 6.0 self bleeds air so no worries there. I typically just fill it up, start it up, top it off, then drive it. Usually check the next day, add a little bit and good to go.
If you've got the heater valve make sure it's open to help bleed the heater core. It only closes under Max AC setting.
I like to use a coolant refractometer to check actual concentration. I did the typically recommend 3.5-gal of distilled/3.5-gal concentrate and my level checked out around 60% coolant so I cut it down to 50% as that will affect heat transfer capability of the system.
Only about $20.
If you've got the heater valve make sure it's open to help bleed the heater core. It only closes under Max AC setting.
I like to use a coolant refractometer to check actual concentration. I did the typically recommend 3.5-gal of distilled/3.5-gal concentrate and my level checked out around 60% coolant so I cut it down to 50% as that will affect heat transfer capability of the system.
Only about $20.
Hotshot
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 17,834
Likes: 3,122
From: Jersey Shore
Maybe not everywhere. The back of the heads has a pretty good dead spot that, even if you vacuum down, has the potential to refill with any air bubble formed by cylinder cavitation or nucleate boiling in the heads.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 181
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Nov 2003
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vacuum fill, and even then you might generate a small pocket or two after running for a while.
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