Antifreeze Question
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Junior User
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 60
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From: Alexandria, TN
Antifreeze Question
Hey guys, just a quick question. My coolant level is about 3/4 inch below the cold fill range. I have looked at the local parts store and Walmart, but they don't have the gold type that our trucks use.
Do you think there would be anything wrong with topping it off with the pre-mixed stuff that if supposed to be for all types(any color). I can't think of the brand but it's in the yellow jug. I have some of it here at home. Just debating on using it or making a special trip to Ford!?
Thanks,
Tim
Do you think there would be anything wrong with topping it off with the pre-mixed stuff that if supposed to be for all types(any color). I can't think of the brand but it's in the yellow jug. I have some of it here at home. Just debating on using it or making a special trip to Ford!?
Thanks,
Tim
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 226
Likes: 0
From: Jeffersonville , Indiana
Hey guys, just a quick question. My coolant level is about 3/4 inch below the cold fill range. I have looked at the local parts store and Walmart, but they don't have the gold type that our trucks use.
Do you think there would be anything wrong with topping it off with the pre-mixed stuff that if supposed to be for all types(any color). I can't think of the brand but it's in the yellow jug. I have some of it here at home. Just debating on using it or making a special trip to Ford!?
Thanks,
Tim
Do you think there would be anything wrong with topping it off with the pre-mixed stuff that if supposed to be for all types(any color). I can't think of the brand but it's in the yellow jug. I have some of it here at home. Just debating on using it or making a special trip to Ford!?
Thanks,
Tim
I would only use the premium gold coolant from Ford and only fill to the lower part of your fill range and keep an eye on it.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 6,521
Likes: 11
From: Greenwood, SC
I have been told by the diesel tech. at my dealer to just top off with water, don't worry about getting the coolant just to top off the system.
So this is what I do and it is very rare to have to add anything to the system.
So this is what I do and it is very rare to have to add anything to the system.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 5,844
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From: Albuquerque
Sorry...but that is just terrible advice from your diesel tech at the dealer! Ok...pay for a 6k++ optional 6.4L PSD...and not be willing to top off with the FORD premium gold coolant?Just go to the dealer...and buy a gallon and keep it at home for those, "Just in Case" moments...IMHO.
biz
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,384
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From: Frederick, MD
Sorry...but that is just terrible advice from your diesel tech at the dealer! Ok...pay for a 6k++ optional 6.4L PSD...and not be willing to top off with the FORD premium gold coolant?Just go to the dealer...and buy a gallon and keep it at home for those, "Just in Case" moments...IMHO.
biz
In 22K miles I have put in just a little coolant I tends to evap just a little.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 6,521
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From: Greenwood, SC
Well, if it's bad advice I hope nobody reads my post. That's one thing about these boards, if I am wrong I would hate for somebody to damage their truck as a result of something that I do.
Anyway, I have probably added 8 oz. of water to my coolant system over the past 12 months. If that is going to kill my $6K powerstroke then so be it.
Anyway, I have probably added 8 oz. of water to my coolant system over the past 12 months. If that is going to kill my $6K powerstroke then so be it.
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Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Middle Tn.
Well, if it's bad advice I hope nobody reads my post. That's one thing about these boards, if I am wrong I would hate for somebody to damage their truck as a result of something that I do.
Anyway, I have probably added 8 oz. of water to my coolant system over the past 12 months. If that is going to kill my $6K powerstroke then so be it.
Anyway, I have probably added 8 oz. of water to my coolant system over the past 12 months. If that is going to kill my $6K powerstroke then so be it.
< Samantha...my Co-Pilot
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 768
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From: Fallon, Nevada
No additives required with the Ford Premium Gold coolant...
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,788
Likes: 103
From: Georgia
OK, lets see. We have a 32 quart cooling system and it's low what, 8 ounces. I'm betting we could put Jack daniels or MD 20 20 in there and it wouldn't do anything but fill up some space. 
In fact, if I remember right the owners manual says to fill it up all the way with water in a pinch. And it's a well known fact that if water is good for something wiskey is better.
In fact, if I remember right the owners manual says to fill it up all the way with water in a pinch. And it's a well known fact that if water is good for something wiskey is better.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 5,844
Likes: 6
From: Albuquerque
Sure in a "pinch". However the OP is not talking about in a pinch. It appears he is at home or shopping for the coolant.Also...as some have mentioned...YES water in a "pinch". But...as soon as possible...it would be advisable to flush the system and adding the recommended new coolant.
For those that feel adding just water, JD, or MD 20 20 on a regular basis...well good luck with your warranty.
biz
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,788
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From: Georgia
Just having a little fun here, but honestly, do you think 8 ounces of all purpose coolant would void a warranty, or for that matter even be detectable. in my experience deisels aren't nearly that sensitive and dealers aren't that strict. The coolant issue is a possibility of cavitation or ar least it used to be when we were adding FW16 and using test strips to check the coolant. Even then those strips left a lot to be desired as far as accurately reading the coolant conditions. But if you used the wrong coolant for a long time you might cause cavitation which might over a long period cause hot spots on the cylinder walls and cause the engine to fail early. Not what I would call an immediate threat. hell, we don't know if these motors will last long enough to make it possible to have an early failure.
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Junior User
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 60
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From: Alexandria, TN
Thanks for all your input guys. Hell I guess I'll just bite the bullet and go buy some of the required coolant. Used to, I'd just add the 50/50 universal mix, or as someone mentioned, water from the garden hose. But with all the issues and the posibilty of the dealer voiding your waranty over something simples as this, I can't afford to take the chance. You know used to a diesel truck was considered to be a "tuff" truck. Now it seems like you have to baby them and follow everything strictly for them to last. Oh well, I guess the govt. calls this progress?!!
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