I have a 2002, and believe the antifreeze does not require any additives. I've also been told that the only place to buy the stuff is from Ford. Has anyone seen it anywhere else?

Thanks,
Rich

 

Rich,
Diesels vibrate quite a bit while running and froth the coolant flowing around the cylinders. These bubbles within the coolant, because of the vibration of the engine, smash against the outside of the cylinder walls with a force of several hundred ( and I think a little over a thousand) psi. Over time, the iron of the cylinder wall is blasted away to the point that pinholes occur within the cylinders which allow coolant to enter the interior of the cylinder wreaking havoc with many engine parts and costing a lot of money to repair or replace.
The coolant additive actually coats the surfaces of the cylinder walls so that the air bubbles smash against it instead of the cylinder's iron.
Ford has an additive called FW-16 and I'm sure they have a test strip for it but don't have any first hand experience.
Fleetguard has a coolant additive called DCA4 and they have test strips for their formulation.
Penray has a coolant additive called Pencool and I'm sure they have a test strip for theirs also.
NAPA has a coolant additive call NapaCool and they have a test strip for it. I personally use it.
It is my understanding that you can't mix any of these additives together nor can you use test strips from one on another.
Considering the headaches and money on major engine repairs saved by adding this insurance to the coolant, I think it is money well spent.
R.A.

 

This info is only as good as its source. When Ford came out with the "Premium Gold Coolant" I had asked a Ford instuctor on their Ford training site if it was still nec to add the FW16 , his reply...No. It is no longer printed (that I have found) in your owners manual that you should add the FW16. A diesel can/will cavitate over time. The Gold Coolant must have additives to it already, just flush and fill on a regular basis. Go under your "severe duty" mantenance schedule, as thats what fits most drivers habits/conditions. Good Luck

 

If your coolant is yellow, do not add the additive. If it is green, use the additive.

 

A gallon of K-1 kerosene with a full tank of fule works wonders. No additive needed.

 

My manual says I don't need the additive. Do you know if the antifreeze can be purchased anywhere besides ford? I'm not changing or flushing, I'm just a little low.

 

My manual says I don't need the additive. Do you know if the antifreeze can be purchased anywhere besides ford? I'm not changing or flushing, I'm just a little low.

 

I haven't seen it anywhere. I have a new Ford Escape which has the yellow antifreeze in it and I bought a gallon from my Ford dealer in case I need some. Ford calls it "Premium Gold."

 

Aw crud,
In my effort to help, I instead mis-informed and confused. I own an idi and am used to the "standard" green anti-freeze and adding a supplemental nitrile solution. I plain forgot that the newer powerstrokes are sold with the orange anti-freeze installed.
Guess I'll just slink away now........sorry............sorry...............

 

Guess I'm going to Ford.

Thanks for the replies.

 

Note, that there is a Ford service bulletin regarding the gold/yellow coolant turning brown, this is a normal condition caused by the use of coolant sealing tabs@ the factory.

 

Thanks, thought my eyes were going.

 

the pinholes in the cyl sleeves are caused by static electricity, not air bubbles. john deere had a prob with this with thier heavy equipment years ago, and the servicebulliten said to add the additive and to install another ground strap from the motor to the chassis to correct the problem
eden

 

The bridge I have for sale will go to the highest bidder !