I have a 1997 7.3 powerstroke with 149,000 miles. About to change the water pump (just started leaking) and figured that I would do a complete coolant flush. I didn't realize that there is so much info on what coolant to use and what not to use. I understand that for the pre E1999 engines, I am supposed to use only the green conventional coolant with the SCA additives. I know that I can't use the ELC. But I watched a youtube video (Proper Coolant For Your Powerstroke) by Powerstroke Help and they recommend their Amsoil OAT coolant that they claim will work in any Ford Diesel even my 1997 7.3. It this true? The advantages of not having to add additives every 15,000 miles and change the coolant out every 30,000 (per Ford Recommendations) seems to be appealing. AMSOIL claims that their coolant is good for 150,000 miles or 5 years. Any wisdom on this?

Thanks, Jeremey

 

This question will get as entertaining as a which oil should I use thread.
my '97 has had CAT elc since 2017
Someone will be along soon to tell you that you can't use elc as it will dissolve the locktite holding the injector cups in the heads.

 

I use conventional low silicate green coolant with Ford VC-8 SCA. I order Baldwin test strips from the jungle store because they are normally fresh with a year or so to expiration and check every few months. Kinda a to each their own type of thing.

 

I understand that I can order the test strips and check it every so often. The question is whether that entire process can be eliminated by using a product like AMSOIL coolant. They claim that for 5 years and/or 150,000 miles you don't have to test or add any supplements. The coolant gets replaced after the 5 year/150,000 miles. That sounds better than using the conventional coolant. Also, you pay more for the Amsoil product but it is cheaper long term since you are not having to replace the coolant every 30,000 (if you follow Ford's recommendation). It is also less maintenance.

 

Basically told you. You can do what you want. Use ELC, dont use ELC and add your own SCA. Your truck, time and money do what you want with it.

 

Purple Fleetcharge here. It has SCA package already and even Gualmart has in stores for emergency top off. This was recommended to me by multiple guys here. I think I picked up concentrate at TSC.

I need to drain and fill as has been a hot minute since I did the major service.

100% recommend coolant filter while system open and down.



As for oil, rather anything fresh and clean than crapped out CI rated. Hell, I put straight 30W in mine when low. F it. IMO filter is more important. I would even put 0/20 in the thing to get around the block

 

Fleet charge is what I run. It already has the SCAs and is easy to use. As mentioned, some may have a strong opinion so do some reading to form your own.

 

I went with fleet charge concentrate from tractor supply as well. Figure I would rather change coolant every 30k miles than injector cups once if I can help it.
Enjoy the amount of crud that will come out if you do the flush, it was impressive in my truck. 250k and had never been flushed.

 

Block heater removal is a great place to drain most. It DOES need some sort of thread sealant or weeps. Ask how I know...

 

Ok, guys. There appears to be a misunderstanding. I have spent hours and hours reading and educating myself on the different options for coolant for the early 7.3 powerstrokes before I ever posted the first post. I understand that I can use a product like Fleetcharge that is already precharged with the SCA's. But in the numerous pages and threads that I have read, NOT one mention of Amsoil coolant comes up. If what Amsoil says is true: we would all be idiots for not switching and using their product. They claim it works for all Ford diesel motors, it is good for 5 years or 150,000 miles before having to be replaced even in severe duty use. You don't have to add any additives or change it out every 30,000 miles like the conventional fluid which breaks down and can plug up the radiator/heat core. You don't have to use the test strips to monitor the SCA's. When I posted, it wasn't because of ignorance or because I was looking for an idiotic answer like: "its your truck, do what you want with it." IF THAT WAS MY ATTITUDE, I WOULDN'T HAVE TAKEN THE TIME TO POST ANYTHING ON HERE. My purpose was: 1) I'm trying to find out some real knowledge and/or those with experience with Amsoil coolant for these older 7.3's. 2) to establish a thread that would hopefully help others who may be wondering whether Amsoil is all hype or the real thing. 3) eliminate unnecessary maintenance on my truck if it is genuinely a better and viable product for the old 7.3.

 

Late to the party. All I know is from what I read in most forums that 94-E99 7.3 powerstrokes that switch to ELC eventually the injector cups will start to leak, how true is it? No clue and that's why I didn't chance in in my original mill, but after the first rebuild I used the correct cup sealant and switched to ELC.

But like Hitman posted Fleetcahrge already comes pre mixed so no need to check for SCA's
and even then how many neglected coolant systems are in use today running straight tap water and you never hear of cavitation, that might of been true in the IDI's but rarely heard on a powerstroke.

 

For what its worth i've been running Final Charge Global OAT ELC since 2009 and I have yet to have any issues.