7.3L block cavitation

[E'sStrokr01]

Do we as 99-03' PowerStroke owners need to be concerned with block cavitation from the lack of the additive in antifreeze, or is this only for older 7.3L's such as the IDI's, etc?

[GAS]

Yes we do.
for more information search for coolant flush, there is lots of it on the site.
This is from a Cummins motor if I remember correctly.
Another view in a following post.

[dentexpowerstroke]

from my understanding it's all diesels that have to worry about it.

[azkcr]

How long before it causes issues??
I guess there would be multiple factors deciding that though. :/

[dentexpowerstroke]

Ya I think it's more of how it was taken care off. That's why elc is a good choice to help prevent caviatation

[E'sStrokr01]

OK. Can someone help on where to get started? Do I need to start by testing the radiator fluid with a test strip and see if the fluid needs to be changed? And if it's good, then just put some additive in there? Or do I need to perform a few system flushes?

I bought my truck with 189,000 and I now have almost 220,000 miles on it and I have NO idea about the service history of the coolant.


Thanks

[mcbadwish]

You just sca's up in the coolant. You can test with strips and if you put a coolant bypass filter on it they contain sca cakes in the filter to keep the coolant happy.

[E'sStrokr01]

"sca's" ???

special coolant additive?



So I know I haven't changed the coolant in almost 30,000 miles. It may have actually been more. Does the coolant need to be changed regardless?

Someone tell me what I need to do. Just buy a good 50/50 blend and add the ELC? Or do they already sell a good premix of coolant that already has the ELC? Would this be the CAT brand?

[mxfever090]

If you flush the system out to and EC-1 (extended life) rated coolant you don't have to check SCA levels. I went with Catapillar brand EL.

[jacobford]

is it true you can't run red elc in an early 99?