Wrong Coolant?
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New User
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: San Diego, Ca
Wrong Coolant?
I just bought a F250 diesel and changed the coolant in it. Unfortunately I do not live in an area where diesels are common, so I was sold regular Prestone antifreeze. My truck gets hot (230 degrees +) going up even small grades. Just yesterday I found out that I am supposed to be running SCA's and special coolant. Could this be the cause of my "hot" truck? Thanks for the help - Peter
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Joined: Oct 2005
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From: San Diego, Ca
I belive the fan clutch is of the viscous type, and I am pretty sure it is working okay since the engine stays nice and cool around town. It is on the freeway that it seems to get hot. I already went through two new thermostats just to get that out of the way. I am going to the dealership tomorrow to get the DCA, since neither Autozone, Pep Boys or Kragen stock deisel coolants (or diesel anything really) in North San Diego. The next step will prbably be to borrow an IR thermometer and look for blocked passages in the radiator. Thanks all for the help - Peter
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Joined: Dec 2003
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From: STEPHENVILLE,TX!!!!!
dion international will have the DCA, im pretty sure there closed tommorow though. theres one off the 94 and federal, and one off the 78 and twinoaks in san marcos. also miramar truck on miramar rd has it also.
where did you get the tstats from? theres a long stem and short stem tstat if you have the short stem it wont work right.
how long does your fan spin for after you shut the truck off?
where did you get the tstats from? theres a long stem and short stem tstat if you have the short stem it wont work right.
how long does your fan spin for after you shut the truck off?
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New User
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: San Diego, Ca
I never actually checked to see how long it spins for after I shut the truck off. I know there is some resistance in the clutch even when the engine is cool. I am not by any means a diesel expert, but gas cars the truck usually overheat in traffic or when stopped when the clutch goes out, but then run cool on the freeway.
I am pretty sure I got the NAPA THM-371203 radiator cap, 203 degrees. I think it looked like a regular thermostat.
I have a hunch it is the radiator, but I want to eliminate all the cheapies first. Thanks again - Peter
I am pretty sure I got the NAPA THM-371203 radiator cap, 203 degrees. I think it looked like a regular thermostat.
I have a hunch it is the radiator, but I want to eliminate all the cheapies first. Thanks again - Peter
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 5,903
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From: MICHIGAN
Diesel and gas engines are the same when it comes to overheating problems.
It's been my experience that:
If it overheats in traffic or when stopped mit's most likely a thermostat, water pump, loose belt or bad clutch on the fan.
If it overheats at x-press way speeds it's the radiator.
It's been my experience that:
If it overheats in traffic or when stopped mit's most likely a thermostat, water pump, loose belt or bad clutch on the fan.
If it overheats at x-press way speeds it's the radiator.
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Postmaster
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From: STEPHENVILLE,TX!!!!!
what year is the truck?
tlc radiator in ramona was the last place that i had do radiator work for me and they do an awesome job and good priced.
the 94.5-95 used a a short stem tstat and the 96 and up changed to a 195 long stem, the only place to get the long stem 203 is dieselsite.com
tlc radiator in ramona was the last place that i had do radiator work for me and they do an awesome job and good priced.
the 94.5-95 used a a short stem tstat and the 96 and up changed to a 195 long stem, the only place to get the long stem 203 is dieselsite.com
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Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: San Diego, Ca
Thanks everyone for the help, I will be checking out TLC radiator and Miramar Truck this week. The truck is a 1995, and I am pretty sure I used the short stem thermostat.
Thanks again
Thanks again