I have a 1997 Ford F-250 With a powerstroke 7.3L diesel and I am going to change the thermostat in it tomorrow and I would like to know how much and antifreeze and water to put in it.I bought 3 gallons of the green antifreeze thats whats in it.Thanks.

 

4 gallons. This is not the right way but I flush (via a tap in the heater hose) several times to be sure and get the old stuff out. Then drain it all again. Then pour in 2 gallons of antifreeze/coolant and top it off w/water. Don't forget your supplemental coolant additive.

jimbo

 

I am no expert, nor am I advising, only providing what I do to my engines, as far as coolant is concerned.

I flush all of my engines with Cascade. Drain, fill it with water from the hose while adding cup of cascade..........run it for a few miles to allow engine to reach operating temp.............drain it and allow the block to cool.............

Fill and drain 2-3 times to remove any left cascade...................

There are some better coolants on the market but for a small engine like the PSD I use Fleet Charge, its available at TSC and O'reilly's that I know of.
It already has the SCA added to it..........I use it 50/50 with Distilled water.
Can't really tell you what may or may not happen using well, spring, or city water.............Caterpillar says use distilled water...............they wrote the book on diesel engines...........so I use distilled water in all of my radiators....

PSS: I have some large engines with over 800K and some tractors with over 6500 hours and I have never(knock on wood) had to replace a radiator or head or head gasket from a hot spot. Haven't over-hauled them yet so I don't know if I have any liners pitted.

There's my $0.02 worth.................

 

I forgot to suggest picking up a couple of coolant test strips..........then you can see if your nitrite, % glycol and pH is ideal or not...........