Degas Bottle needs replaced

[buc1096]

Well, I took my truck into the Ford dealership here in Summerville, SC due to leaking coolant fluid. They checked my truck and said the EGR valve is good and EGR cooler too. I was informed the coolant is leaking from the bottom of the degas bottle due to a very small crack/fracture. I was told this is a common problem with the superduty trucks. Anyway, the mgr stated he could fix it by replacing for $310. He did suggest I consider replacing it on my own and would sell a new degas bottle to me for $61 plus tax. I'm considering doing the work myself and had a few questions hopefully ya'll could provide some guidance:

1) Is the cracking of the degas bottle common as I was told?

2) How difficult is replacing the degas bottle and are there any instructions around for this?

3) My motor was replaced 15,000 miles ago with a rebuilt motor from Ford with all new fluids. When I replace the degas bottle I would like to get a coolant filter as I've read here doing research on the org, any suggestions for the most reliable coolant filter setup?

Any suggestions or advise appreciated.

[05_PSD_Erik]

I have my truck torn down for an EGR delete and injector replacement. I am doing it myself and I have the Degas bottle removed. Change the Degas on your own it is simple. Drain down some of the coolant, one hose on the bottom and two smaller hoses near the top, two bolts holding it in place and you're done.

[amdriven2liv]

Originally Posted by buc1096

1) Is the cracking of the degas bottle common as I was told?

2) How difficult is replacing the degas bottle and are there any instructions around for this?

3) My motor was replaced 15,000 miles ago with a rebuilt motor from Ford with all new fluids. When I replace the degas bottle I would like to get a coolant filter as I've read here doing research on the org, any suggestions for the most reliable coolant filter setup?

Any suggestions or advise appreciated.

1. Don't know if it's "common", but have heard some needing to be replaced.

2. Real easy to remove. First drain a gallon or 2 of coolant out of the system. As much as you are comfortable knowing the level is low enough. Remove the 1 hose on bottom. And the hoses you see on the top. Then remove the 2 screws on the top, here is a picture of mine, you can see one screw in the foreground.:




3. Dieselsite filter is what I put on. Order one and install it when you do the degas bottle. You already have the coolant level lowered. When you order which ever filter you decide, buy a couple extra filters along with it.

[bwillis2003]

buy your degas bottle from tascaparts.com..paid like $40 for mine,and a new cap is 5 bucks. instead of $61..just got it installed. 2 bolts and a couple hoses

[buc1096]

Thanks for the pics, it looks like it slides into the brackets and gets secured by the screws. I'll check for some other retailers for the degas bottle as suggested. I looked at the dieselsite filter and was leaning that direction as I like the heavier billet aluminum base.

Should I change the coolant which is Ford Gold, it only has 15,000 miles since replaced.

[amdriven2liv]

When you take it out, you will find a bracket the extends from the bottom into fire wall area, make sure you put the new one back into the bracket, it wont sit right if you don't and it will be visible that it is not right, just pull and re-try.

Changing coolant with 15,000 on it? Your choice, not sure if you need to. Adding the coolant filter will be a plus.

[buc1096]

Originally Posted by amdriven2liv

When you take it out, you will find a bracket the extends from the bottom into fire wall area, make sure you put the new one back into the bracket, it wont sit right if you don't and it will be visible that it is not right, just pull and re-try.

Changing coolant with 15,000 on it? Your choice, not sure if you need to. Adding the coolant filter will be a plus.

Replacing the bottle seems pretty straight forward. I think I'll hold off replacing the Ford Gold and when it it's time replace to Rotella coolant.

[05_PSD_Erik]

In my opinion, if i were you, especially since you are going.the route of a coolant coolsant filtration system, i would drain the entire system, replace and add the parts needed, and fill the system with distilled water a few times until runs as clear as you can get it. Then replace the fluid with ELC. Extended life coolant. If i am not badly mistaken, it is a red coolant. The ELC does not contain silicates like the Motorcraft coolant does, and those silicates are what leads to the build ups that can cause cooler failure. Itcan be found at mamy truck suppliers.

[buc1096]

Well I got the degas bottle from Ford and they cut me a break on the price lowering it to $55. The removal was super easy and just a quick thanks to everyone for the help. I found 3 cracks as you can see in the pics:



I installed the new bottle with no problems. Unfortunately I couldn't do the coolant filter as I had the top of a pine tree come through my roof when the tropical depression came through South Carolina, so my money had to go towards the insurance deductible. I'm hoping by next month I can do the coolant filter and I will flush the system and put the recommended CAT elc.

[bfrank81]

They were going to charge you over $200 to swap the bottle? Holy crap!