Low on Coolant
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Elder User
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: IA MN SD
Low on Coolant
First nice day outside and decided to poke around my new (to me) truck a little. Found something a bit disheartening.
The truck hasn't been started since Sunday, and the coolant level in the degas bottle was well below the minimum line, which I'm aware is the full line with the new sticker that's supposed to go on there. You can see the level in this pic:
I'm pretty sure I looked at the level not more than 2000 miles ago and it was right at the bottom of the min line, although I don't recall how cold the engine was. There's no evidence of puking.
I pulled some coolant out of the bottle into a clear coolant tester, and it looked like the usual green stuff (forgive me, I'm a Ford newbie and a bit color blind) except maybe a little more clear. It tested very high indicating that there was plenty of pure coolant in the mix.
I figure that I'll top it off (up to the min line) and pay a little closer attention to the level for a while. However, I don't know if the system takes regular green coolant or if its something special like the pink GM goo. So if someone could let me know about the coolant type, I'd appreciate it. I'd also appreciate any other constructive comments anyone has.
TIA!
The truck hasn't been started since Sunday, and the coolant level in the degas bottle was well below the minimum line, which I'm aware is the full line with the new sticker that's supposed to go on there. You can see the level in this pic:
I'm pretty sure I looked at the level not more than 2000 miles ago and it was right at the bottom of the min line, although I don't recall how cold the engine was. There's no evidence of puking.
I pulled some coolant out of the bottle into a clear coolant tester, and it looked like the usual green stuff (forgive me, I'm a Ford newbie and a bit color blind) except maybe a little more clear. It tested very high indicating that there was plenty of pure coolant in the mix.
I figure that I'll top it off (up to the min line) and pay a little closer attention to the level for a while. However, I don't know if the system takes regular green coolant or if its something special like the pink GM goo. So if someone could let me know about the coolant type, I'd appreciate it. I'd also appreciate any other constructive comments anyone has.
TIA!
Resident smarta$$
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Oaks,PA
I believe you can also use Zerex GO5 coolant, don't think its a problem if you mix it. Green is NOT the right coolant, something with the silica and cavitation IIRC. If thats not right someone will correct me
Thats about where my coolant is and stays at that level, and it doesn't seem to run hot.
Thats about where my coolant is and stays at that level, and it doesn't seem to run hot.
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Elder User
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: IA MN SD
Thank you both for your response. I just had my boy take a look at the coolant, and he tells me its pretty clear with a tint of yellow. Does that sound like the right stuff?
I'm also glad to hear what you say about the level, D8. I think I won't add any coolant and see if the level changes sometime in the next few hundred miles.
I'm also glad to hear what you say about the level, D8. I think I won't add any coolant and see if the level changes sometime in the next few hundred miles.
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Joined: Dec 2007
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From: prince george,va.
w_huisman
i own an 05 f-350 psd 4x4 cc auto. i have a plastic sticker on the degas bottle with max and min at a lower level. my bottle is the same as yours except for the sticker.
the ford parts man said they used green and gold in the 05 and maybe other models. he ask the mech. tech. before he sold me gold for my truck.
in va. in cold weather the level was correct and now in Fl. the level is high.
i own an 05 f-350 psd 4x4 cc auto. i have a plastic sticker on the degas bottle with max and min at a lower level. my bottle is the same as yours except for the sticker.
the ford parts man said they used green and gold in the 05 and maybe other models. he ask the mech. tech. before he sold me gold for my truck.
in va. in cold weather the level was correct and now in Fl. the level is high.
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Elder User
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: IA MN SD
I still don't understand why this forum won't let me create a signature.
My truck is an 03 cc sb 4x5 srw auto with 62k on the ticker. Mostly clean oasis, aside from the flashes and a rear main oil leak.
I suppose yellow and gold would be the same?
My truck is an 03 cc sb 4x5 srw auto with 62k on the ticker. Mostly clean oasis, aside from the flashes and a rear main oil leak.
I suppose yellow and gold would be the same?
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,424
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From: BC Canada
No Gold is what you want in an 05. The min level is max and the bottom is min in an 05 with the sticker. It will go up when hot but cooled right down this is where it will sit. This is a TSB that goes wiht the re flash of the engines PCM to empty injectors on shut down and startup. You should be able to get the sticker and the re flash on 60k mile engine warrenty? f you still got some.
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Originally Posted by w_huisman
I still don't understand why this forum won't let me create a signature.
I suppose yellow and gold would be the same?
I suppose yellow and gold would be the same?
Our engines specify only the "Motorcraft Premium Gold" coolant - you can get into corrosion or wear problems down the road if you use (or mix) the wrong kinds. Several threads on acceptable substitutes. The Motocraft coolant is expensive, so if you are completely replacing the coolant, you may very well save $$'s with another brand - just do a little research first. I have seen several people recommend what D8chumley recommended so it is probably OK. If you are adding just a little bit, I would just go get a gallon of the Ford coolant. You can get it with or without the bittering agent - doesn't matter.
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Elder User
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: IA MN SD
Thanks Mark.
Since I've never heard the term before, I'll do a search to find out about the bittering agent.
Can you buy the Motorcraft Premium Gold at Walmart? Napa? Or is it a dealer only item?
Since I've never heard the term before, I'll do a search to find out about the bittering agent.
Can you buy the Motorcraft Premium Gold at Walmart? Napa? Or is it a dealer only item?
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 13,834
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From: Middle Tn.
The cold level on my truck will vary by anout a 1/4 to 3/8 inch. Don't know why but it has done that since new and appears to be normal. I wouldn't worry about it unless you see evidence of puking or water in oil or exhaust.
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Elder User
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: IA MN SD
I forgot to also mention my truck is a rebuilder, so no warranty. I can add/delete/modify as I see fit.
The truck as it sits has as much power as I'll ever need, so I'll mainly be working to improve reliability and mileage.
Cat will be coming off in short order (delete pipe arriving today). Maybe muffler too. Harpoon and coolant filter will be close behind that (I absolutely HATE how long it takes to fill this truck up). Followed by eliminating exhaust flow through the EGR one way or another.
And I'll repeat my last question so it doesn't get lost in the thread:
The truck as it sits has as much power as I'll ever need, so I'll mainly be working to improve reliability and mileage.
Cat will be coming off in short order (delete pipe arriving today). Maybe muffler too. Harpoon and coolant filter will be close behind that (I absolutely HATE how long it takes to fill this truck up). Followed by eliminating exhaust flow through the EGR one way or another.
And I'll repeat my last question so it doesn't get lost in the thread:
Can you buy the Motorcraft Premium Gold at Walmart? Napa? Or is it a dealer only item?
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2005
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Originally Posted by paddler65
05 f-350 4x4 psd cc auto
what would you do if you had added a gal. of green coolant to the truck???
would you drain and replace anti freeze??
what would you do if you had added a gal. of green coolant to the truck???
would you drain and replace anti freeze??
