Finding the proper coolant test strips
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Finding the proper coolant test strips
I am having one helluva time finding the proper coolant test strips! I even told my dealer what I wanted and had them order them but when they came they were PH test strips only. Anyone know where I can get the proper strips? Thanks in advance!!
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From: Millersville, MD
I didn't even bother with the dumb strips..... if you think it's going to show bad, just go ahead and do a flush and refill. How many miles on the coolant? If over 50,000, or it's been more than 3 years, change it.
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From: Whittier, CA
Did you show them the letter that Ford sent all the owners? Here is an excerpted paragraph which has the test strip kit number. If the SA cannot identify them, maybe get the shop manager involved.
Engine coolant system nitrite strength should be checked and serviced at the mileage or equivalent hour intervals specified by the maintenance schedule. Check coolant nitrite strength using the 3-Way Antifreeze Test Strip kit Rotunda # 328-00001 to determine if additive is required. If the nitrite strength is between 800 ppm & 300 ppm add 32 fl. oz. (946 mL) of Supplemental Coolant Additive Motorcraft VC-8 or equivalent. If nitrite strength is below 300 ppm flush & refill engine coolant (refer to Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant Change Record) – Do not add Supplemental Coolant Additive if flush & refill is required.
Here is the company that makes them, and it looks like you can buy them online.
http://www.acustrip.com/
Engine coolant system nitrite strength should be checked and serviced at the mileage or equivalent hour intervals specified by the maintenance schedule. Check coolant nitrite strength using the 3-Way Antifreeze Test Strip kit Rotunda # 328-00001 to determine if additive is required. If the nitrite strength is between 800 ppm & 300 ppm add 32 fl. oz. (946 mL) of Supplemental Coolant Additive Motorcraft VC-8 or equivalent. If nitrite strength is below 300 ppm flush & refill engine coolant (refer to Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant Change Record) – Do not add Supplemental Coolant Additive if flush & refill is required.
Here is the company that makes them, and it looks like you can buy them online.
http://www.acustrip.com/
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From: Whittier, CA
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Thanks for the fast replies guys. I never recieved the letter for some reason but I would think that being a dealer that sells the trucks that they would have known what I needed.(You know what the say about assumptions!LOL) Anyhow,my truck was 4 yrs. old this past July but it only has approx. 19,000 mi. on it. Before anybody asks,yes I do make a point to drive it weekly.(Thanks for trying to help though!) I was thinking I should test the coolant because of being 4 yrs. old but with the low mileage I'm pretty sure it's okay. The coolant is as bright yellow and clear as it ever was for what that matters,and the truck has never been to the shop for anything but a re-flash (at my request) so the cooling system is untouched since new.I don't have alot of free time or extra money right now so if I don't HAVE to flush it I'd rather wait a while.Could anyone make an educated guess as to whether I should keep hunting the proper strips or don't worry about it ,or just flush it? Anydody? Thanks in advance,as always!!!
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Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Whittier, CA
Me and Ford think you should test it.
I also think you should flush it next year. Coolant needs to be changed on time as well as mileage, and 5 years sounds good to me.
Here is the letter that most owners got last year:
http://www.motorcraftservice.com/pub.../0660ldt1e.pdf
I also think you should flush it next year. Coolant needs to be changed on time as well as mileage, and 5 years sounds good to me.
Here is the letter that most owners got last year:
http://www.motorcraftservice.com/pub.../0660ldt1e.pdf
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Me and Ford think you should test it.
I also think you should flush it next year. Coolant needs to be changed on time as well as mileage, and 5 years sounds good to me.
Here is the letter that most owners got last year:
http://www.motorcraftservice.com/pub.../0660ldt1e.pdf
I also think you should flush it next year. Coolant needs to be changed on time as well as mileage, and 5 years sounds good to me.
Here is the letter that most owners got last year:
http://www.motorcraftservice.com/pub.../0660ldt1e.pdf
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Thanks again,but the link above says I "am not authorized" to use it.I called my local NAPA and the said they can't help me and to try the Snap-on man.
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I forgot to add...
I did already test the coolant back in July using an ACUSTRIP # 1550 test strip that tests glycol %,reserve alkalinity,and ph and the coolant passed with flying colors. Is this any help at all or do I still need the nitrate test strips? I have been told that if any "corrosion" was taking place that my ph would be "off". Does anyone know if this is true,or is my test that I've already done any indication of whether I'm "good to go" or not?Once again,thanks in advance!! Not trying to be a PIA,just want to make sure this truck lasts me a LONG time!!
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Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Whittier, CA
Try this link:
CTS-3 Three-Way Antifreeze Specifications
About half way down, click the link next to the Ford Rotunda number.
CTS-3 Three-Way Antifreeze Specifications
About half way down, click the link next to the Ford Rotunda number.
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Try this link:
CTS-3 Three-Way Antifreeze Specifications
About half way down, click the link next to the Ford Rotunda number.
CTS-3 Three-Way Antifreeze Specifications
About half way down, click the link next to the Ford Rotunda number.
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Update....
I was able to find the test strips and tested my coolant this afternoon.I came up with around 400 ppm.However there is a catch that makes me question the accuracy of the test. I tested some newly mixed coolant and it came up to only 800 ppm.,which is borderline of needing the aditive itself. The strips don't go uot of date until 12/11 so that shouldn't be the problem.Any ideas? Should I add the vc-8 and re-test or flush and refill? Should I flush and refill and test again to see if the new antifreeze maybe also needs the additive? I would have thought the new coolant would have tested higher than 800ppm. Any help is appreciated.Thanks in advance!!