Coolant change

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Mar 11, 2009 | 09:43 AM

2004SUPERDUTY

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Coolant change

how hard is it to change the coolant, mine is 5 years old now and has 45k miles on it so I probably need to change it.. Thanks

Mar 11, 2009 | 10:19 AM

eprn1n2

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From: Fort Collins

I just did mine and it is easy. When everything is cool disconnect the lower radiator hose and drain into a container. I use the mortar tub you can get at Home Depot. It allows for splash. Fill it back up with distilled water and run it for a while. Drain and repeat four times. The coolant capacity is 27 quarts so get five containers of the Ford Premium Gold antifreeze. Don't use anything else! Put in 18 quarts and fill the remaining capacity with distilled water. I think you'll find a lot of sand and mud in the coolant. I did and put in a coolant filter shortly afterward.

Mar 11, 2009 | 10:51 AM

2004SUPERDUTY

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did you have to get it from the dealer? how much did it cost per gallon?

Mar 11, 2009 | 10:58 AM

eprn1n2

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From: Fort Collins

I got it from the dealer. $21/container. This being the delicate diesel that it is I wouldn't use anything else. You'll also use about 10 gallons of distilled water if you do the complete flush.

Mar 11, 2009 | 01:26 PM

jamie7375

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Joined: Dec 2008

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From: Kernersville, NC

Very easy..Did mine about a month ago..Some good threads on here plus the one above is also excellent...Make sure you use the ford anrifreeze for the powerstroke...gold i believe it is..

Mar 11, 2009 | 02:58 PM

cartmanea

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Joined: Jun 2007

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From: Corvallis, OR

You don't need 5 gallons of coolant, capacity is 7 gallons and you mix it 50/50 with distilled water. You also don't need to flush it 4 times, maybe twice. After the last drain, add 3 gallons coolant, then 3 gallons distilled water, then add another gallon of mix after running it to work it all into the system.

Mar 11, 2009 | 06:11 PM

eprn1n2

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From: Fort Collins

Crap. My math is bad. 1/2 of 27 quarts is 13 quarts so three gallons is right and that is what I used fortunately.

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Mar 11, 2009 | 06:16 PM

liv

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From: Kansas City/Breckenridge

Quote:

Originally Posted by cartmanea

I had to drain 7 times in order to get all the coolant out. I did it until it was just water coming out. Ended up using like 18 gallons of water. Including the flush then the fill.

Some people say it only took them 2-3 times others say 5-7. I don't really think there is a set number just make sure your getting the thermostat open between drains and that its only water coming out in the end.