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Old 06-14-2016, 11:15 AM   #1
MAMalody
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Coolant Additive

Here I am again with another question. My 2016 F350 is telling me to check the Coolant Additive. I must be looking to fast, however, I can't find that in the manual. What is this, where is it and what am I supposed to do? Sounds like I should be able to do it. I have checked and all the fluids seem to be up where they should be. What am I missing?
 
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Old 06-14-2016, 11:49 AM   #2
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It is the additive in the coolant system for a diesel engine. Most Ford dealers will check it for free. When I took mine in the first time (13 K) they said it was not time and they just checked the coolant level and reset the light. They said it did not need to be checked until 60 k miles. You can reset it yourself with the buttons on the steering wheel and the screen above the steering wheel. That is what I will do next time it comes on. The light and instructions are in the Diesel manual.
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Old 06-14-2016, 12:11 PM   #3
BB_TX
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It is a time based message that comes up. Nothing to do with any actual coolant problem. If the level is good you should be ok. You could have the dealer do a test strip if you just wanted to be sure.

As noted, you can reset the message yourself. I just reset mine a couple weeks ago.
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Old 06-14-2016, 02:31 PM   #4
mlh
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What we are trying to prevent is cavation. When a Diesel engine fires tiny bubbles are produced on the outside od the cylinders. Over time they will eat pin holes through the cylinders. The 7.3 Ford engine was bad for this. One could be scraped in a 100000 miles or less without this additive. I don't know how long it would take on a new engine but all Diesel engines are prone to this from ours to industrial engines. Be safe get the test strips and check it or you can wind up with a 1100 pound boat anchor.
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Old 06-14-2016, 04:12 PM   #5
1retired06
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Have had mine checked twice. No cost. No additive required so far. Warning light/coolant additive is addressed in your ford owners manual.
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Old 06-14-2016, 08:12 PM   #6
Artemus Gordon
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Mine is replenished by Ford. I have had excellent experience with my Truck and from dealers nationwide.
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Old 06-15-2016, 02:31 AM   #7
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I just go to the local Truck Parts and Equipment store and get the test strip and DC4 additive if needed. As Oz says "easy peasy".
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Old 06-15-2016, 03:25 AM   #8
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Is this exclusive to Fords?
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Old 06-15-2016, 04:12 AM   #9
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No it is common to ALL Diesel engines. From your engine to the largest ever built. Some engines have less problem because the cylinders are thicker but if you run any long enough they will have this problem. The 7.3 Ford was so bad because International took the 6.9 and bored it out to make the 7.3 which made the culinders thinners.
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Old 06-15-2016, 11:42 AM   #10
TLightning
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There are several different kinds of coolants. Some "regular" some extended life coolants (ELC). Use caution, as they are different colors and do not mix. Also, all diesels do not have coolant additives. We have friends who drive a big motor home with aN 8.9L Cummins. It has a sticker on the radiator...: "DO NOT ADD COOLANT ADDITIVE"
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Old 06-15-2016, 01:42 PM   #11
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My light came on at about 13000 miles. Took it to Ford they added the additive and I am set. If the baby need additive then it gets what it wants. Paid far to much to be messing around with what ifs.
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Old 06-15-2016, 02:31 PM   #12
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I might be the Fords are more susceptible to this than the Cunnings or the Dmax. The Ford block is made of compacted graphite iron not cast iron. It's twice is strong and much more wear resistant than cast iron BUT it is cast thinner and this might make the problem worse.
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Old 06-15-2016, 04:58 PM   #13
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I can understand the need for additives. But is it really that much of a problem? Can't say I have ever heard anyone say they had an engine problem due to inadequate coolant additive.

If you have never lost any coolant, and have never added any water to your system, does the additives somehow weaken or disappear over time? Curious minds need to know these things.
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Old 06-16-2016, 02:27 AM   #14
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I am surprised a dealer felt the need to add coolant additive at 13K. Seems way way early. Have had our 6.7 checked twice at different dealers, and both said no need, last at 36K. The antifreeze requires the additive boost as efficiency declines with time. Dealt with same issue with our 2002 and 2005 diesels and watched carefully. It is important, as cavitation creates pinholes in the cylinder walls and that spells death for the engine. Neighbor of mine had a 2005, and flushed and filled his cooling system with standard Prestone rather than the Ford specified product. 6K later, major repairs.
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Old 06-16-2016, 03:04 AM   #15
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My manual for the 6.7L Cummins says flush & fill at 150,000 or 10 years whichever comes first. No mention of additives.
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Old 06-16-2016, 06:17 PM   #16
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Mine is an 08 F350 with a 6.4, and no one has EVER mentioned this coolant before. There have never been any messages on my dash. Unless the Ford dealer checked it every time they did an oil change or some other service it has never been checked.
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Old 06-17-2016, 05:17 AM   #17
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My 08 did not have that feature but the 15 has it. Differnt engines I guess.
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