03 6.0 coolant

[dbrinkley81]

I just replaced my alternator for the 3rd time in 13 months but it is warrantied. while I was in there I decided to change my belt and the coolant in the motor. The coolant I drained looked like rusty water. when it came out it looked like water only but in the bucket it has a rust colored tint to it. I went to the local parts store to get some new coolant and they told me they do not have coolant for a diesel motor. I was wondering what kind of coolant do I use?? Do I have to go to ford or can I get it somewhere else. My father in law works at O'reilly's and told me dealer only but my best friend works at auto zone and he said their computer says prestone is fine. I need to know what to do. I have 160000 miles and the alternator and injector harness is the only problems I have had. don't want to change that.

[bismic]

get the motorcraft gold coolant. do not use the prestone.

[troid123]

The coolant is supposed to be that color DO NOT USE PRESTONE. Go to the dealer and get the correct antifreeze, although there was no reason to drain the coolant that was in it.....

[dbrinkley81]

The only reason I drained it is cause I have had the truck 2 years and I have no idea when the last time it was changed was.

[BigRobRN]

Use Motorcraft Premium Gold or Zerex G-05.
I just drained my radiator and block and opted for the G-05.

RL

[Mudracer80]

whats wrong with using prestone or other cheaper brands of coolant?

[dbrinkley81]

where do you get the g-05

[bismic]

Originally Posted by Mudracer80

whats wrong with using prestone or other cheaper brands of coolant?

They will potentially damage the aluminum components in your engine due to the corrosion inhibitor package. Some coolants have been documented to precipitate out solids and cause plugging as well (oil cooler is particularly susceptible).

A good discussion in the post below (blackhat is a Ford tech):
Coolant flush and refill procedure? - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums

Here is a video that discusses coolant. He is wrong in saying the Motorcraft Premium Gold is propylene glycol based, but he is correct in the potential dangers:
YouTube - 6.0 THREE Fs 1 OF 3 FLUIDS, FILTERS AND FUEL

[BigRobRN]

Originally Posted by dbrinkley81

where do you get the g-05

Got mine at my local NAPA. The only place I was able to find it.
Mix it 50/50 with distilled water (from WalMart for 0.68/gallon).

[Mudracer80]

Originally Posted by bismic

They will potentially damage the aluminum components in your engine due to the corrosion inhibitor package. Some coolants have been documented to precipitate out solids and cause plugging as well (oil cooler is particularly susceptible).

A good discussion in the post below (blackhat is a Ford tech):
Coolant flush and refill procedure? - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums

Here is a video that discusses coolant. He is wrong in saying the Motorcraft Premium Gold is propylene glycol based, but he is correct in the potential dangers:
YouTube - 6.0 THREE Fs 1 OF 3 FLUIDS, FILTERS AND FUEL

Ok thanks for the info.... I guess I will be drianing my Rad soon. I had no idea it mattered