My understanding is that Prestone is now an OAT coolant (Dexcool) and isn't correct for a 7.3 PowerStroke. I now buy Peak antifreeze (for most of my cars) since it still appears to be regular-old non-OAT Ethylene Glycol antifreeze.

Please don't use terms like green, orange, and red - color and chemistry are not the same.

Here's a depressing article from Motor magazine on the complexities of new coolants. PowerStrokes (of various vintages) are mentioned.

MOTOR Magazine Article | MOTOR Information Systems

 

Don't do that, it's really easy to do the backflush.

I didn't use a kiddie pool when I did the flush. I used one of those rubbermaid storage containers with wheels that fits under a bed

As for locating a point of sale location that has ELC, just look in the yellow pages under lubrication and I'm sure you'll find several companies that sell the product you need.

Doing a quick YellowPages.com search, there's a Canyon State Oil at 901 State Park Avenue that sells Zerex and Shell products. Shell makes a good ELC. (520) 624-0240

There's also a Western Refining Wholesale at 3555 S. Richie Boulevard that, according to their website, looks like they sell Chevron Delo ELC. (520) 745-2247.

Drive it until you get the coolant you want. A couple more weeks isn't gonna hurt. Cavitation occurs over a long period of time when the coolant is lacking the proper DCA level (diesel coolant additive) for a prolonged period of time.

If it were me, I'd upgrade the cups and switch.

You can always opt for the G-05 coolant though bro, and just keep your E99 cups.

The Ford Gold hybrid one-size fits all hybrid OAT coolant isn't as good as a heavy duty ELC, but it's a lot better than the conventional green that is a higher maintenance coolant.

Stewart

 

Heavy duty Extended Life Coolants are classified as OAT, Organic Acid Technology.

Not all OAT coolants are like what GM uses. GM typically uses a "Dexcool" formulation, which is specifically not recommended for your diesel engine. Dexcool type coolants were never intended for diesel applications.

Prestone does make a heavy duty ELC that meets the Cat EC-1 requirements for diesel engines.



This is the Dex-Cool Prestone makes that is NOT compatible with our diesel engines.



Stewart

 

Curious, was that statement directed at me, or were just making a general statement? Because you're correct. And if you click on the link in my post above, you'll see where the info I posted by Gooch say's the same thing.

I usually try to remember to qualify my usage whenever I use a color.

Stewart

 

Here is what I put in...

<IMG class="imagecache imagecache-product_thumbnail imagecache-default imagecache-product_thumbnail_default" title="Prestone® Extended Life 50/50 Prediluted Antifreeze/Coolant" height=200 alt="Prestone^® Extended Life 50/50 Prediluted Antifreeze/Coolant" src="http://www.prestone.com/sites/default/p/imagecache/product_thumbnail/thumbnails/prestone_50_50_prediluted_antifreeze_coolant.png" width=200>

I just bought NAPA Kool (4056) which they NAPA guy says all his fleet guys run with there "green" antifreeze.



I also bought NAPA test strips



I am planning to add the additive and use the test strips to maintain the proper level for around 20K miles and then change over to the CAT brand high end antifreeze......Unless someone tells me I am being really stupid and putting my truck at risk.

Thanks to all!!

 

Cool pictures.

Since I am replacing my block due to a crack from coolant lack of maintenance, would it be good to go to the Cat ELC? I am very good to change the oil every 3-5k, but not so good on coolant....

Was running Evans....

 

You have the tools necessary to monitor your coolant properly, but I'm not a fan of conventional coolant (typically referred to as "green") in the L99 and up 7.3's. I just don't like the silicate drop out and how it tears up water pumps.

If you lose you pump before you hit the 20k mark and do your backflush and ELC swap, I'd seriously consider doing the ELC change at that time.

Stewart

 

What year is your truck, and are you re-using your heads?

Stewart

 

How many posts do I have to get before I can do a signature?

2000 F250 PSD 4x4 SCLB

 

For L99 and up engines, International (who made your engine) recommends a Heavy Duty Extended Life Coolant meeting the Cat EC-1 requirements.

The Cat ELC you wanna use is a good coolant.

I like Chevron Delo ELC because it's good for 750K miles or 8 years, or 1 million miles and 10 years with the extender additive.

Stewart

 

Heads are already rebuilt. New valves, guides, seals, cups, everything.

So yes.

I am near a Cat dealer. Just asking...

 

You are good to go for ELC.

Stewart

 

I am good to go for 1 million HP.

Just wish the motor would do it.

I am good to go for road trips, parties, raves, whatever.....

But I can settle for the truck running worth a ****e.

 

Damn I hate editors

 

I called my local Cat dealer today & they have their ELC for $13.98/gallon. After looking at Gooch's post though.. one of his tips says not to use 50/50 pre-mixed coolant, which if I am correct is what the Cat coolant is. So I guess its a bad idea to use the Cat ELC for a flush?