Coolant and additives question
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Senior User
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Coolant and additives question
99' F350 7.3 4x4 / 6" on 38's:
This is the first turbo diesel I have owned. I am a do it yourselfer on some things but with time issues prefer to leave the big stuff to the prof. I have been told that diesel 911 is a good additive to use but have been reading that alot prefer diesel kleen any suggestions, and how frequent should this be done?
Coolant questions: I have never really had to mess with coolant too much my previous 93 F250 non- turbo diesel never ran low, but my 99 is just a tad, but it's below where I think it has to be. Is there a special kind for diesel or turbo diesels?
This is the first turbo diesel I have owned. I am a do it yourselfer on some things but with time issues prefer to leave the big stuff to the prof. I have been told that diesel 911 is a good additive to use but have been reading that alot prefer diesel kleen any suggestions, and how frequent should this be done?
Coolant questions: I have never really had to mess with coolant too much my previous 93 F250 non- turbo diesel never ran low, but my 99 is just a tad, but it's below where I think it has to be. Is there a special kind for diesel or turbo diesels?
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Cincinnati, Ohio
Hello Big Swole, Diesel Kleen is your safe bet, almost everyone here uses this product including myself. I use it every fill-up it adds lubricity to the fuel that's missing since the introduction of ULSD. It also boosts your cetane level a bit and quiets the engine some.
This is one opinion an coolants. If it came from the factory with yellow coolant, only use Motorcraft Premium Gold Antifreeze, Zerex G05 (gold bottle), Peak Global Lifetime (gold bottle) or Peak Extended Life CF-EXL (silver bottle). These coolants do not require SCA/DCA. Do not use "universal" products that claim to be replacement for any color antifreeze.
Trucks originally filled with Gold coolant:
All 2002 F-Series built at the Kentucky Truck Plant (VIN 11th digit "E")
2002 F150-550 built in Cuautitlan (VIN "M") from 2-4-02
2002 F650/750 built in Cuautitlan from 1-28-02
All Econolines built from 7-15-02
Do not use extended life coolants (ELC) as they can cause water pump seal and injector sleeve deterioration.
This is one opinion an coolants. If it came from the factory with yellow coolant, only use Motorcraft Premium Gold Antifreeze, Zerex G05 (gold bottle), Peak Global Lifetime (gold bottle) or Peak Extended Life CF-EXL (silver bottle). These coolants do not require SCA/DCA. Do not use "universal" products that claim to be replacement for any color antifreeze.
Trucks originally filled with Gold coolant:
All 2002 F-Series built at the Kentucky Truck Plant (VIN 11th digit "E")
2002 F150-550 built in Cuautitlan (VIN "M") from 2-4-02
2002 F650/750 built in Cuautitlan from 1-28-02
All Econolines built from 7-15-02
Do not use extended life coolants (ELC) as they can cause water pump seal and injector sleeve deterioration.
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2007
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As for the fuel addative.Diesel kleen and diesel 911 are made by the same company,Power Service.They have different uses.Diesel kleen is a every fill up type of addative Its supposed to help lubricate the fuel delivery system,needed because of the ultra low sulfer diesel used now.Diesel 911 is for when you get water in your lines or they gel up completely.I dont think it was intended for daily use.I use theGrey bottle diesel kleen in summer.And going to the white bottle in the winter(anti-gel formula).
As far as the coolant goes.You probably have the green stuff(glycol coolant)As I have learned here.You must make sure you have the proper amount of SCA(supplimental coolant addative)in your coolant.You can go to any Nappa and ask them about the test strips for checking the leves of addative.I believe it checks the PH levels in the glycol coolant.This is critical.If there is not the proper levels then you'll get air bubbles forming onthe cylider walls and whats called cavitation occurs.Basically it eats tiny holes in your cylinder walls.NOT GOOD.You can also order the addative from your local nappa.
Good Luck
As far as the coolant goes.You probably have the green stuff(glycol coolant)As I have learned here.You must make sure you have the proper amount of SCA(supplimental coolant addative)in your coolant.You can go to any Nappa and ask them about the test strips for checking the leves of addative.I believe it checks the PH levels in the glycol coolant.This is critical.If there is not the proper levels then you'll get air bubbles forming onthe cylider walls and whats called cavitation occurs.Basically it eats tiny holes in your cylinder walls.NOT GOOD.You can also order the addative from your local nappa.
Good Luck
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 853
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I know exactly what you mean.My wife nearly died when I told her the prices of diesel in our area.Just made it that much harder to convice her of why we really need one.
Originally Posted by Big Swole
I appreciate the input guys, I just want to keep things running smoothly, don't think the wife will let me buy another anytime soon.
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Senior User
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Amen to that!
Originally Posted by dryfly
I know exactly what you mean.My wife nearly died when I told her the prices of diesel in our area.Just made it that much harder to convice her of why we really need one.
It took me awhile to get my wife to let me upgrade from my 93 F250 to what I have now. To boot she is letting me modify it slowly, god bless her, brings a tear to my eye.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 7,760
Likes: 27
From: Hampton, Maryland.
Hey Swole, OT I know, but thats a nice looking rig. When you get a chance, add some pics to the album.
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Posting Guru
Joined: May 2007
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Here ya go! Evans NPG+ cooling the best 203 theromostat so it run's at right temp and Dipetane for the tank runs smmoothhh!
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