Low coolant
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Elder User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 622
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From: Valencia, CA
Low coolant
I just bought a used 08 f250 6.4 the truck seriously feels like I just bought a new truck... The last owner took very good care of this vehicle. There is lots of power feels as good or better then my 6.0 that I bought new back in 04 but had head gasket problems. So where I'm trying to go with this... The 6.4 has 98,500 miles on it and took possesion with coolant being very low, I popped the hood and there was a hiss coming from the radiator (sales guy drove it 60miles to bring it to me) then I popped the coolant cap open and there was a bit of depressurization. Then the smell brought back bad memories from when I blew the head gasket on my 6.0. The dealer I bought it from in Irvine California gave me 1 month/2,000 mile warranty on the truck. What should I do or expect from the truck?
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Frederick, MD
Take it back and get the radiator fixed. Ensure that the ventri recall was completed on the truck.
Recalls can be checked using your vin.Recall Information - Ford
It is time for a coolant flush so that might as well be done, use the Ford or Napa Gold coolant, ensure it is the right spec according to ford.
It is typical for a small leak at the seams on these trucks, but a hiss sounds like a puncture in the radiator.
Recalls can be checked using your vin.Recall Information - Ford
It is time for a coolant flush so that might as well be done, use the Ford or Napa Gold coolant, ensure it is the right spec according to ford.
It is typical for a small leak at the seams on these trucks, but a hiss sounds like a puncture in the radiator.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,664
Likes: 188
Low coolant on these engines is from the radiator leaking because of no venturi valve,hyper thermostats,bad egr coolers,bad water pump. Mine did all of these. One caused the other to fault to the point the coolant was pukeing out the degas bottle because the pump was ruined.
Have a good dealer check all of these. The coolant should stay between the marks on the degas bottle at all times.
Have a good dealer check all of these. The coolant should stay between the marks on the degas bottle at all times.
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Elder User
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Valencia, CA
Thanks guys very good info I'm glad it's probably a radiator issue I was worried it might be a blown HG. I'm bringing it back to them Monday for repairs. This truck feels really strong for being stock.
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Elder User
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Valencia, CA
Well since the truck is scheduled to go back to the dealer on Tuesday I haven't really messed with the truck other then I went and bought a gallon of coolant put it in the bottle and still can't see a sign of coolant must be really low, a little worriesome.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,664
Likes: 188
like I said in my above post about the long run damageing effect of low coolant watch to make sure after the dealer does things that the coolant stays within the marks on the degas bottle. If it doesn't then you still have problems. The low coolant levels you have will cause damage to the system.
I never had signs of overheating but loss coolant which led to water pump,egr, damage eventually.
I never had signs of overheating but loss coolant which led to water pump,egr, damage eventually.
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Elder User
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Valencia, CA
like I said in my above post about the long run damageing effect of low coolant watch to make sure after the dealer does things that the coolant stays within the marks on the degas bottle. If it doesn't then you still have problems. The low coolant levels you have will cause damage to the system.
I never had signs of overheating but loss coolant which led to water pump,egr, damage eventually.
I never had signs of overheating but loss coolant which led to water pump,egr, damage eventually.
VIN#1FTSW21R38EB81741 If anyone has access to vin# any info is appreciated thanks.
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Elder User
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Valencia, CA
I agree and its very Obvious that the previous owner new about the problem and possibly the dealership but I aint paying to fix it thats for sure and ill give them a chance b4 ***** gets ugly. I mean I bought the vehicle to tow and in this condition I cant even drive it. Theres no way a dealership could sell certified used vehicles in this condition.
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2009
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your car might have a leak, or it could be on ur radiator or the thermosthat is sealed, this happens with time it gets stuck and doesn't open any more, so no water circulates throughout the engine and that causes overheating.
