VC-9 versus standard flush

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Jan 6, 2010 | 03:16 PM

ediaa

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VC-9 versus standard flush

First, I am having no problems with my truck. Just wanted to do some routine management. I wanted to save some time and didn't mind paying the dealership to flush and change the coolant. I asked them to use the VC-9 but they didn't! After I called them on this, they said that using VC-9 is a special procedure and is not a part of the routine flush. To have that done takes 5 hours and costs over $500! Is this true?! Had I known, I would have bought the chemicals and done it myself (which I will end up doing anyway). They then "gave" me a bottle of motorcraft diesel cooling system additive in the hopes of appeasing me. Is this safe to put in the cooling system of a 6.0L?
Thanks again for your help guys.
Troy

Jan 6, 2010 | 03:32 PM

BigRy

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From: Tampa

I just did the full flush, and I could easily see where it would cost 500.00, I do believe it would cost 500.00 if they were to use the VC9 iron cleaner, check this thread, I just completed the 5 hour flush myself. Feels kinda rewarding after it was all said and done.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...nge-101-a.html

Jan 6, 2010 | 04:10 PM

bpounds

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From: Whittier, CA

I would bet they didn't use 100% distilled water either.

Is this your '03 with over 125k miles? If so, I think a flush using the correct agent is due. And you can be certain of getting the correct water and coolant as well if you do it yourself.

I doubt that whatever they used caused any damage.

Personally, I think if you do a mid-term flush at around 60k, you don't need to use the cleaner. But when you do your 105k, it's time to use the cleaner.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ediaa

They then "gave" me a bottle of motorcraft diesel cooling system additive in the hopes of appeasing me. Is this safe to put in the cooling system of a 6.0L?

I would not. You might want to do the nitrate test. Unless the test indicates the additive is needed, I would not add it.

Jan 6, 2010 | 05:14 PM

69cj

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Personally, I would ask for a refund since they did not do what was requested and said nothing when you 1st told them you wanted the vc-9 treatment. If the SA declines go to the SM and then the owner. Ford is telling people to use the vc-9 and they, the dealer, are deceiving them, the people, because they don't want to lose the easy money. Ford did not come up with this procedure midstream because they were looking for something to do. Both dealers around me recommend it. That doesn't mean that you will get that procedure for 200 bucks, but they are telling you to use it. I used it when I did mine and the extra time and 55 bucks was worth the peace of mind.

Jan 6, 2010 | 05:46 PM

ediaa

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Quote:

Originally Posted by BigRy

Yeah, I was going to do the cleaning myself, but the Ford place quoted a price of $170 and I thought that was definitely worth my time and money to get them to do it. Oops.
Thanks for your responses.
Troy

Jan 6, 2010 | 05:56 PM

69cj

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Quote:

Originally Posted by ediaa

No offense but when something sounds too good to be true, "guess what"
Techs make good money and most of them earn it. Price is usually reflective of labor and/or parts involved.

Jan 7, 2010 | 05:55 AM

ediaa

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Yeah, this is my first diesel. I thought using VC-9 as the flush instead of another type would add $40-50 not $350!
Thanks again for all of your input. I am going to buy the VC-9 and do this myself soon.
Troy