Seems there is a difference between the coolant capacity (2+ gallons worth!) of some of the 94-96 and the 97 PSD....how do you verify this difference without draining all the coolant to measure?

I have the manual for the 97 and it calls for 32.75qts, the 96 manual: 22qts....

Reason for the Q: I had a 97 PSD that never had temp needle climb on hard pulls up grades, but my 96 seems to get way up there whenever I push it hard when heavy (10k+) up the 6%+ grades. Thermostat is good, clutch fan works, (but doesn't seem to stay engaged past about 2000 rpm...then roars back on below that rpm), no crap in the radiator fins or between it & AC. Belt in good shape. Clean anti-freeze, been regularly flushed...

Any easy way to know how much my 96 holds so I can get a 97 radiator if needed? I need more cooling ability...

Thanks for any help or advice!
Erikk....

 

My manual for my diesel (95) says 33 qts. So I don't know whats up, but I been told that my manual is the wrong manual, so you may be right.

 

hmm my 96 is 22 also. but 33.75 sounds nice. i experience the same thing. i just figured my radiator was dirty though

 

the '94 should have the IDI radiator, no degauss bottle, is a shorter radiator, holds less fluid and can run hotter. '95 through 97 should all be the same at least from all the application guides I have looked at.
you say the thermostat is good, I went through I think 5 on my '90 f250 service truck before I got an acceptable one, now after less than a month it is running too cold.
I bought a 203 degree thermostat from dieselsite and it runs anywhere from 160 to 220 degrees and will do that in one trip.

 

while we are on the subject of coolant...can yall verify for me what i should be topping off with? my napa guys sent me home with napa brand astm d3306 (i think- it's outside) undiluted and he said he "guesses" my truck and my honda take the same. but it is entirely possible he was kinda stoned so...i need a good answer

actually...and to which line? i see one above and one below "cold fill level"

 

If you have green antifreeze you need the anti cavitation additive also. but if its gold i dont think you do. fill it up to the top line even a little more, whats it gonna do burp a little out?

 

The early '95s have the IDI radiator. My truck is one of them, but I've never had problems heating up and I don't baby the truck.

 

Mine runs on the N in Normal until I hit a good long grade, then it hits the R but I think that it's ok.

 

ERIKK, Welcome to FTE.

 

...thanks for the replies! I will call ford and see if they can tell me where they fit 2 more gallons of coolant in the 97....seems like it might be a typo after reading the responses.

Thanks for the "welcome" 95_Dually!

 

why do we need the additive on our trucks?

 

Just did a coolant drain, and refilled...took about 22-24 qts. which is what came out. Weird though,,,the manual does say 32.75 qts. Ya know, after reading these reviews i don't think anyone knows. Not even the international engineers or the ford guys....

Praise the Lord!

 

Nice to see other Christians on this site...amen.

 

Praise the Lord Jesus Christ, God manifest in the flesh!

Awesome you were quoting the KJV, are you KJVO?
I joined because I saw your post, I'm on YT and I've found 2 other brethren in my area that have OBS PSD's.

 

Well, last fall I did my first full drain and refill. I believe about 24 qts. came out. I have a 97 (early 97) 7.3 psd. Of course I included the 3 bottles of the Ford brand coolant additive. I did a lot of research on-line and at more than one dealership. My main problem was I printed the wrong supplemental diesel manual, which stated like 32 qts. When I measured about 24 qts. coming out of it, I was worried. But then realized, that was normal. I believe the only way to know your capacity is having the right supplemental manual (or perhaps someone could tell you on this forum) or, do it the sure way and drain it.

Here is the absolute truth if you are doing a coolant flush and change over.

1. Use walmart brand or Ford motorcraft brand coolant, and pure water. 50/50. 24 qts. (if that's your capacity)
2. Add 3 pints of ford brand SCA (coolant additive)
3. Add 8-10 oz. of the SCA every 15k miles.

yes, it really is that simple. remember,,,,it's a ford truck,,,not a ferrari gto.