ELC coolant
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Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Newport, WA
ELC coolant
Yes I did a search and did a ton of reading already!
I need to replace the t-stat in my truck and I figure I may as well freshen up the coolant while I'm at it. What's the final word on ELC coolant? I could probably just buy some SCA and freshen up what's in there I suppose but if the ELC will work okay I'd rather go that route and save the hassle of having to worry about it/check it so often.
I need to replace the t-stat in my truck and I figure I may as well freshen up the coolant while I'm at it. What's the final word on ELC coolant? I could probably just buy some SCA and freshen up what's in there I suppose but if the ELC will work okay I'd rather go that route and save the hassle of having to worry about it/check it so often.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Ashland City, TN
I always wondered stuff like that too Chase.
I wanna get my radiator acid washed or cleaned or something, and wanted to change the coolant to something a bit better. Truck runs a bit hot. I'm sure the radiator doesn't help either.
I wanna get my radiator acid washed or cleaned or something, and wanted to change the coolant to something a bit better. Truck runs a bit hot. I'm sure the radiator doesn't help either.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,550
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From: Lancaster County PA
I asked that question at my local dealership and they told me that the two types of coolant cannot be mixed. The system has to be completely flushed of any of the older stuff and then the new can be added. I haven't done it, but I thought that if I did, I would flush the system with water, fill it with water and run it lightly to operating temperature for a half hour or so, drain it, flush it again with distilled water, and fill it with the new stuff.
When I thought about it long enough, I decided it wasn't worth the time as my SCA's stay good and the local dealership tests my coolant for me for free whenever I ask politely.
When I thought about it long enough, I decided it wasn't worth the time as my SCA's stay good and the local dealership tests my coolant for me for free whenever I ask politely.
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Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Newport, WA
I know the 2 types can't be mixed, just wondering if anyone has had issues when switching to ELC. There are some concerns that it will cause problems with injector cups in our trucks.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Texas
I'd avoid it if I were you Chase. Gooch had a thread on TDS about not using it on the early 99 trucks (and I'm assuming the OBS trucks) due to come compatibility issues with the sealant they use on the injector cups. Robin ran the ELC on his early 99 for a year or so and just had to replace his injector cups.
Unfortunaltey the link he gave me no longer works, but here's part of our conversation.
Unfortunaltey the link he gave me no longer works, but here's part of our conversation.
Originally Posted by Gooch
Hi Chris. HERE's International's publication.
All versions of the T444E apply to this, as all engines were made the same way, using the same components/parts, at the same plant. Some just went to Ford as "Powerstrokes". So don't let the fact this is a bus/truck publication scare you off.
Yes, the date is the engine build date. It can be found on the sticker on your valve cover, or stamped on the machined surface behind your oil filter next to the bell housing inspection cover.
Your buddy's main concern should be his injector cups...because they are costly (and a pain in the butt) to repair. The OAT coolant could cause them to crack prematurely, corrode/errode, and leak fuel into the coolant. Also, the front cover was revised for the new gasket. I understand some o-rings/gaskets/seals were also revised to different material, and some sensor materials were changed.
I'm not sure how long, or even if, you would have a problem. International only found problems under "some operating conditions"...whatever they were. Some folks here use HD ELC in early-builds without issue. It's up to your buddy if he wants to roll the dice.
All versions of the T444E apply to this, as all engines were made the same way, using the same components/parts, at the same plant. Some just went to Ford as "Powerstrokes". So don't let the fact this is a bus/truck publication scare you off.
Yes, the date is the engine build date. It can be found on the sticker on your valve cover, or stamped on the machined surface behind your oil filter next to the bell housing inspection cover.
Your buddy's main concern should be his injector cups...because they are costly (and a pain in the butt) to repair. The OAT coolant could cause them to crack prematurely, corrode/errode, and leak fuel into the coolant. Also, the front cover was revised for the new gasket. I understand some o-rings/gaskets/seals were also revised to different material, and some sensor materials were changed.
I'm not sure how long, or even if, you would have a problem. International only found problems under "some operating conditions"...whatever they were. Some folks here use HD ELC in early-builds without issue. It's up to your buddy if he wants to roll the dice.
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From: Ashland City, TN
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Hutchinson, KS
I'd avoid it if I were you Chase. Gooch had a thread on TDS about not using it on the early 99 trucks (and I'm assuming the OBS trucks) due to come compatibility issues with the sealant they use on the injector cups. Robin ran the ELC on his early 99 for a year or so and just had to replace his injector cups.
Unfortunaltey the link he gave me no longer works, but here's part of our conversation.
Unfortunaltey the link he gave me no longer works, but here's part of our conversation.
When I swapped coolant, I flushed the heater core seperately as well as the radiator sep. Flushed the motor the best I could sep but did a full system final flush with water until it was completely clear. Then added the ELC concentrate.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Texas
Fuel in the coolant is the common sign. Take the radiator cap off, stick your finer in there and see if it smells like diesel fuel.
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