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Old Aug 2, 2006 | 06:25 PM
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radiator flush

My E-350, 7.3 has about 76k on the clock and I'm contemplating doing a radiator flush this weekend (first time). I can tear a gas engine apart, up one side and down the other, but this is my first diesel. Any advice would be appreciated.

Clev
 
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Old Aug 2, 2006 | 08:18 PM
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Coolant flush isn't too much different on the diesel. The main difference is there is an additive you will need to add to the coolant when you put the new stuff back in.
 
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Old Aug 2, 2006 | 08:18 PM
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Originally Posted by clev
My E-350, 7.3 has about 76k on the clock and I'm contemplating doing a radiator flush this weekend (first time). I can tear a gas engine apart, up one side and down the other, but this is my first diesel. Any advice would be appreciated.

Clev
It's no different than a gasser, except it's better. No spark plugs or throttle body required.
Really, it's no different. Nuts, bolts, gaskets, pulleys, etc. The only thing different is the way that it goes about burning the fuel.
 
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Old Aug 2, 2006 | 08:28 PM
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what kind of additive do you put in? I know you add it to diesels. Wondering which one everyone uses?
 
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Old Aug 2, 2006 | 11:04 PM
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Originally Posted by saleen1996
what kind of additive do you put in? I know you add it to diesels. Wondering which one everyone uses?
It all depends. Do you want to make a through job of it and use, IIRC, Zerex G05 or the Ford Gold coolant and never have to use FW-15 or do you want to use the additive every 15K. I chose not to worry. I flushed it throughly and then used the Gold stuff.
 
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Old Aug 3, 2006 | 11:48 AM
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WalMart sells Global brand that cost about $10 gal. Don't believe additive is needed with that either. (No, it's not a SuperTech Wally brand. It's certified for big rigs)
 
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Old Aug 3, 2006 | 12:34 PM
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Good replies, thanks. I've always added FW-15 every 15k miles and was unaware of an antifreeze that did not require it. I called O'Reillys and A/zone and neither have heard of any antifreeze that does not require the additive. Did I misread or do the 3 types listed above really not require the additive. If so, which companies stock them other than the Ford garage. My dealership has about a 300% markup. Also, has anyone cut and installed the 'T' fitting and done a back flush using the prestone chemicals? Or do you just run water through it a few times?
 
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Old Aug 3, 2006 | 12:42 PM
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My local "stealership" sold me a bottle of the additive for less than 10 bucks.
 
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Old Aug 3, 2006 | 01:07 PM
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OReilly's has 16 oz bottles for $4.50.
 
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Old Aug 3, 2006 | 02:07 PM
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Originally Posted by Tenn01PSD350
WalMart sells Global brand that cost about $10 gal. Don't believe additive is needed with that either. (No, it's not a SuperTech Wally brand. It's certified for big rigs)
My Ford Dealership has the G-05 coolant for $12/gallon.....
 
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