Coolant

[tizzy1001]

Hey guys, I installed my block heater this last Sunday on my 2012 Powerstroke and I lost a little coolant in the process. Do I need to get the coolant from my Ford dealer that the manual recommends or can I just put any of the universal 50/50 coolants in from Autozone or somewhere? Thanks

[kendallcschm]

#1 never mix coolants/chemicals.. basic car concept.
#2 get the ford coolant out of there ASAP and put in an ELC without silicates and Phosphates (I.E CAT EC-1) and make sure you flush your cooling system

i know its a 6.7 but i think this applies to any truck

[tizzy1001]

I only want to top off the coolant, I only lost probably less than a quart or so! I don't see draining the coolant and flushing just for that!

[kendallcschm]

Originally Posted by tizzy1001

I only want to top off the coolant, I only lost probably less than a quart or so! I don't see draining the coolant and flushing just for that!

well you can't just put a different coolant in.. i suppose you could just add distilled water.. i'd still get fords coolant out of it

[tizzy1001]

I wouldn't think I would be changing coolants, I would just be topping off with a Ford product from my dealer. If you don't mind me asking, what is wrong with the factory coolant?

[kendallcschm]

Originally Posted by tizzy1001

I wouldn't think I would be changing coolants, I would just be topping off with a Ford product from my dealer. If you don't mind me asking, what is wrong with the factory coolant?

Silicates block up oil coolers and other such devices, its a low scilicate coolant but they're still in there.. in my truck the oil cooler clogged.. motor got hot and blew my EGR cooler.. now i'm waiting for my EGR delete kit.. should be here today.. but the ford coolant is no good.. an ELC without stuff that blocks stuff up is better.. and when they come out with a coolant filter for the 6.7L i recommend buying it

[tizzy1001]

I guess that's what the warranty is for. I'm not draining and flushing just for a few ounces of coolant to top off, but thanks for the info I might do the flushing and draining after it gets a lot more miles on it. I only have 600 miles on it right now. Thanks

[kendallcschm]

Originally Posted by tizzy1001

I guess that's what the warranty is for. I'm not draining and flushing just for a few ounces of coolant to top off, but thanks for the info I might do the flushing and draining after it gets a lot more miles on it. I only have 600 miles on it right now. Thanks

no problem, enjoy the truck, and just change it next time your due for a coolant change.

[Painted Horse]

The coolant in our 6.7L trucks does NOT contain any Silicante or Nitrites. It is OAT ( Organic Acid Technology) based. It is a brand new coolant technology for Ford and not compitible with older engines. I think I read that Ford is currently using it in 6.7L and the Eccoboost engine in the new Focus. They will eventually start using it in the new engine designs. The seals in the engines have to be designed with this coolant in mind.

Kendal is miss informed about what the current coolant is.

I personally would go to Ford and buy the proper coolant and add what you need.

[tizzy1001]

I did go and buy some at the dealer and it is a concentrate and it was 22 dollars. Pretty steep but I wanted to maintain warranty status.