Coolant testing
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Cross-Country
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Mi
Coolant testing
I read some where lately that we should be checking the coolant to see if it weak. if too weak it could result in cavitation in the engine . Can any one verify that this is needed?
This is for the 6.4 engines,
Thanks,
Bob C
This is for the 6.4 engines,
Thanks,
Bob C
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From: Frederick, MD
Every 20K you should be checking the nitrates. Anything under 800 ppm needs the additive, below 300 ppm you need to do the flush and clean procedure.
I don't have access to it right now if no one posts it then I will later this evening.
Only place I have found for the test strips is NAPA.
I don't have access to it right now if no one posts it then I will later this evening.
Only place I have found for the test strips is NAPA.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Georgia
Interesting that is in the ESP but to my best memory it is not in the owners manual. I don't think I would have missed it. As a former 7.3L owner I'm very familiar with testing coolant. But, cause I'm old and because I've killed billions of brain cells over the years I'm going out now and look.
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From: Frederick, MD
Interesting that is in the ESP but to my best memory it is not in the owners manual. I don't think I would have missed it. As a former 7.3L owner I'm very familiar with testing coolant. But, cause I'm old and because I've killed billions of brain cells over the years I'm going out now and look.
Those brain cells went to heaven to be with the ones I have lost too.
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From: Georgia
I guess since I didn't buy my truck new, they didn't send me one. I'll just steal yours and print it out. Thanks.
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I have a question about the whole coolant thing I hope you guys can shed some light on. I was telling my buddy this evening about checking the nitrate level in his coolant. He says why? According to him when he had his 7.3 it was necessary to check the nitrate level because his 7.3 had the green coolant. According to him this was necessary with the green coolant because the chemistry of the coolant caused cavitation if the nitrate level wasn't right. He says this is why Ford switched to Gold because the chemistry of the gold coolant is different therefore the need for testing and adding the vc-8 was no longer necessary. I didn't want to get in a debate with him because he's been driving diesels way longer and is more knowlegeable. He said there's even a youtube video where vc-8 was added with the gold coolant and caused geling.
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From: Frederick, MD
I agree with him on those points.
What I think Ford found though was over time the coolant will loose its effectiveness. So this nitrate level will tend to drop over time.
So either test every 20K or...don't run your coolant to 100K.
What I think Ford found though was over time the coolant will loose its effectiveness. So this nitrate level will tend to drop over time.
So either test every 20K or...don't run your coolant to 100K.
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