Coolant Question

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Sep 28, 2005 | 11:11 AM

qman

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Coolant Question

I just picked up my 99 PSD. Never owned a diesel before and while looking under the hood my neighbor notices the green coolant and says he doesn't think it's supposed to be green. The book says it can be green or orange. How can I check for sure I have the right coolant?

Sep 28, 2005 | 11:36 AM

wlihntr

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From: colorado

the factory coolant was green until 2002 (i think it was '02, my '01 came with green in it) then they switched to the gold ELC (extended life coolant). the green coolant does require some maintance, you need to add a bottle of SCA (supplimential coolant additive) evry 15,000 miles or so. you can get it at a ford dealer for about $8.00. you should pick up a SCA test kit (also sould be availible at the dealer) and check the status of your coolant.

Sep 28, 2005 | 12:03 PM

qman

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What is the purpose of the SCA?

Sep 28, 2005 | 12:20 PM

wlihntr

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From: colorado

to help prevent "cavitation" of the coolant which over time can damage the engine block where the coolant contacts it to the point of actually eating through the engine.

Sep 28, 2005 | 12:29 PM

qman

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Cavities, got it.

Sep 28, 2005 | 02:37 PM

qman

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So is the green coolant the same thing that's in all my other cars or is it some kind of green coolant specifically formulated for diesels?

Sep 28, 2005 | 04:29 PM

nodakford

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From: South Dakota

Quote:

Originally Posted by qman

So is the green coolant the same thing that's in all my other cars or is it some kind of green coolant specifically formulated for diesels?

Yes, it is the same. Most of the green antifreeze will require SCA added to it. I bought test strips at NAPA to check the coolant out. do not add orange coolant, Propylene Glycol (PG) ,PG coolant is not recommended for Power Stroke Diesel engines. Because of its chemical makeup, PG coolants can cause damage to aluminum parts, gasket materials and certain kinds of hoses. It also has a lower boiling point than EG coolant, usually 10 F to 15 F lower.

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