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

 

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.

 

Only Ford premium gold or Zerex GO-5 is the equivelant sold at Napa.

 

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.

 

Use only distilled water!

 

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

 

I really think what he mean't is if you have to too, on the side of the road or when fueling, an emergency. Then some water in a very small quanity is better than nothing.

In 22K miles I have put in just a little coolant I tends to evap just a little.

 

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.

 

Does anyone know if you are supposed to add DCA to the coolant, like you do in a big truck?

 

WOW!! Where do you get $6 k powerstrokes, I want a couple.

 

No additives required with the Ford Premium Gold coolant...

 

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.

 

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

 

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.

 

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?!!