So Friday I drain a couple gallons out of the coolant system to get ready to clean out the degass bottle. I figured this would be a good time to test the coolant with the coolant test strips I just ordered. So I follow the test strip directions exactly as described and get results that don't make sense to me (photo). The coolant appears to be good to -60F, but the color for the nitrite doesn't even appear on the chart. I used another test strip and got the same results. I then tested brand new coolant straight from the jug and got the exact same results. I'm thinking the test strips I got are junk. Anyone have any ideas? I think I'm going to call the company and complain, but just want to make sure I'm not missing something obvious.
I did end up removing the degass bottle to try and clean out some of the stuff on the bottle walls. What I didn't realize was the bottle is baffled, so I could only reach a small portion with a rag to wipe the walls. I tried simple green and purple degreaser/cleaner and it had absolutely no effect on the crap in the bottle. Bummed about that
Its telling you that you need to flush and refill with a cat coolant :hehe:. I dont know about those test strips but i have heard that sometimes ford gold doesnt have enough nitrates when its brand new, Are you planning on flushing and refilling? How many miles on that coolant?
Lol. The truck only has 47K miles and I don't want to flush and refill yet. Reading the fush and fill process on here sounds like a huge PITA. I was hoping the nitrites would be good, but using the test strips left me with more questions than answers.
I had similar results using those test strips on my 35k mile truck. I wasn't sure, so I performed a full Restore & Restore+ flush. The Restore did clean up much of the gunk that had built up inside the degass bottle.
I decided on a full flush since I purchased the truck used - I wanted to be sure the right stuff was in it and the system was clean!
I used peak final charge and they state 600,000 miles. I will change it before that tho. :thumb:
Peak Final Charge Heavy Duty Extended Life Coolant/Antifreeze - Nitrite FREE
Final Charge Global Extended Life Coolant/Antifreeze is formulated for use in cooling systems of all types of heavy duty diesel, gasoline and natural gas engines. Final Charge Global Extended Life Coolant/Antifreeze features an advanced organic formula (OAT) that with proper maintenance, delivers total cooling system protection for 600,000 miles of on-road use (6 years or 12,000 hours off-highway use) without the use of Supplemental Coolant Additives (SCAs). Proper maintenance includes topping off the cooling system with Final Charge or Final Charge 50/50 Pre-dilute coolant. Final Charge Global Extended Life Coolant/Antifreeze is a nitrite free, silicate free, borate free, phosphate free formula that provides superior heat transfer and protection for all cooling system metals. Meets or exceeds the leading heavy-duty OEM specifications including: CAT EC-1, Cummins 14603, MTU 5048, Detroit Diesel 93K217, Mercedes DBL 7700, Behr Radiator.◦Provides excellent heat transfer and total cooling system protection for all makes and model. Nitrite FREE formula.
◦Provides up to 600,000 miles of on-road use protection (6 years or 12,000 hours off-highway use) with proper maintenance.
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
Ford Powerstroke Diesel Forum
5.4M posts
265.8K members
Since 2005
A forum community dedicated to Ford F-series owners and enthusiasts with a Power Stroke diesel engine. Come join the discussion about performance, bulletproofing, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more!