Coolant Question
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Idaho
Coolant Question
FTE search engines are messed up, I'm getting results from all the forums instead of just the 6.0L forum that I select. Also I didn't notice a coolant drain procedure in the Tech folder. I have two coolant questions:
1) I drained the radiator to do some work on the truck. Only 3-4 gallons came out. I'm assuming the rest of 27.5 quarts is in the engine. How do I drain that out?
2) How bad is it to mix different brands of coolant assuming I can't get all the old coolant out? Both would be ECL water-based. I wouldn't be refilling with the Evan's waterless.
Thanks for the tips!
1) I drained the radiator to do some work on the truck. Only 3-4 gallons came out. I'm assuming the rest of 27.5 quarts is in the engine. How do I drain that out?
2) How bad is it to mix different brands of coolant assuming I can't get all the old coolant out? Both would be ECL water-based. I wouldn't be refilling with the Evan's waterless.
Thanks for the tips!
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Idaho
Thanks guys, but I was under the impression that motorcraft suggested gold only because it is a generic coolant they can use across the board. It's not necessarily the best. I've heard good things about the Chevron Delo and the Texaco ECL coolants.
Delo Introduces New Nitrite Free Extended Life Coolant | Business Wire | Find Articles at BNET.com
Delo Introduces New Nitrite Free Extended Life Coolant | Business Wire | Find Articles at BNET.com
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Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Colorado Springs
I switched mine over to the Delo ELC about a year ago - I run a coolant filter as well and plan on exhanging fluid at about the 5 year mark - well within the Delo's recommended change interval of 8 years.
I also beleive the Delo to be superior in this application and that the Gold coolant is a good coolant that meets Ford's broader need.
I've seen several trucks running the Gold with "gunk" buildup in the reservoir and subsequent EGR cooler failure.
Mark
I also beleive the Delo to be superior in this application and that the Gold coolant is a good coolant that meets Ford's broader need.
I've seen several trucks running the Gold with "gunk" buildup in the reservoir and subsequent EGR cooler failure.
Mark
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From: Middle Tn.
I think that gunk is synomonis with the 6.0 due to the casting sand and that alone justifies the coolant filter. 
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From: Idaho
Thanks for the help in advance!
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From: Idaho
Nevermind, I decided to take a chance. It was the rear hex plug on the drivers side. I put a big oil catch can underneath and it still made a mess. < 1 gallon came out (hard to say though due to coolant everywhere).
On the passenger side, I suspected the plug would be in the same place, but the starter was in the way. So I pulled the starter and did the passenger side the same. Again, I'm guessing < 1 gallon came out.
So 4 gallons in the radiator and 1 gallon on each side of the block makes 6 gallons. Any ideas how to get the last 1.5 gallons of coolant out? I don't want to mix the old and new if I can avoid it.
Thanks for the help!
On the passenger side, I suspected the plug would be in the same place, but the starter was in the way. So I pulled the starter and did the passenger side the same. Again, I'm guessing < 1 gallon came out.
So 4 gallons in the radiator and 1 gallon on each side of the block makes 6 gallons. Any ideas how to get the last 1.5 gallons of coolant out? I don't want to mix the old and new if I can avoid it.
Thanks for the help!
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I don't believe the coolant in the heater, hosing, above a closed thermostat or any horizontal passages in the EGR cooler or oil cooler is just going to drain out. Probably going to have to refill and flush several times with water to get all the original coolant out of there.
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From: Colorado Springs
When I switched mine out. I used distilled water to flush until it was pretty much clear. Then, took my truck and 8 gallons of 50/50 mix to my local lube shop and let them use their fluid exchange machine. In theory, I could have added approx. 4 gallons of straight coolant at this point, but I wanted to make sure it was right.
Mark
Mark