|
06-14-2016, 11:15 AM
|
#1
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Pasco
Posts: 986
M.O.C. #5972
|
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?
|
|
|
06-14-2016, 11:49 AM
|
#2
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Midlothian
Posts: 956
M.O.C. #40
|
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.
|
|
|
06-14-2016, 12:11 PM
|
#3
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: McKinney
Posts: 7,133
M.O.C. #6433
|
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.
__________________
Bill & Patricia
Riley, our Golden
2007 3075RL (recently sold, currently without)
|
|
|
06-14-2016, 02:31 PM
|
#4
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Salem
Posts: 7,528
M.O.C. #2283
|
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.
Lynwood
|
|
|
06-14-2016, 04:12 PM
|
#5
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Lake Gaston
Posts: 8,773
M.O.C. #12156
|
Have had mine checked twice. No cost. No additive required so far. Warning light/coolant additive is addressed in your ford owners manual.
__________________
Mike and Lorraine
2002 3655 FL, 2005 3650RK
2010 3665RE, 2015 3910FB
F350 crew cab dually 6.7
|
|
|
06-14-2016, 08:12 PM
|
#6
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Redding
Posts: 1,421
M.O.C. #12339
|
Mine is replenished by Ford. I have had excellent experience with my Truck and from dealers nationwide.
|
|
|
06-15-2016, 02:31 AM
|
#7
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Haysville
Posts: 4,261
M.O.C. #3085
|
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".
|
|
|
06-15-2016, 03:25 AM
|
#8
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Colorado Springs
Posts: 3,335
M.O.C. #10496
|
Is this exclusive to Fords?
__________________
2010 3150RL
LevelUp, Dual 6 volt batteries, Progressive Industries EMS HW50C, Honda EU2000i Generator, Bridgestone Duravis R250 tires, Torklift Glowstep Revolution Stairs, LED Tail lights
2015 RAM 3500 Laramie SRW LB CC Cummins 6.7L Aisin Trans B&W RVK3600
|
|
|
06-15-2016, 04:12 AM
|
#9
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Salem
Posts: 7,528
M.O.C. #2283
|
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.
Lynwood
|
|
|
06-15-2016, 11:42 AM
|
#10
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Kville
Posts: 2,865
M.O.C. #7871
|
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"
|
|
|
06-15-2016, 01:42 PM
|
#11
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Lake Havasu City AZ.
Posts: 1,811
M.O.C. #10552
|
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.
__________________
Wayne and Ann Moore
2015 Ford F-350 King Ranch
Firestone air bags, bed saver.
Add 40 GAL tank in bed.
|
|
|
06-15-2016, 02:31 PM
|
#12
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Salem
Posts: 7,528
M.O.C. #2283
|
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.
Lynwood
|
|
|
06-15-2016, 04:58 PM
|
#13
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: McKinney
Posts: 7,133
M.O.C. #6433
|
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.
__________________
Bill & Patricia
Riley, our Golden
2007 3075RL (recently sold, currently without)
|
|
|
06-16-2016, 02:27 AM
|
#14
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Lake Gaston
Posts: 8,773
M.O.C. #12156
|
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.
__________________
Mike and Lorraine
2002 3655 FL, 2005 3650RK
2010 3665RE, 2015 3910FB
F350 crew cab dually 6.7
|
|
|
06-16-2016, 03:04 AM
|
#15
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Colorado Springs
Posts: 3,335
M.O.C. #10496
|
My manual for the 6.7L Cummins says flush & fill at 150,000 or 10 years whichever comes first. No mention of additives.
__________________
2010 3150RL
LevelUp, Dual 6 volt batteries, Progressive Industries EMS HW50C, Honda EU2000i Generator, Bridgestone Duravis R250 tires, Torklift Glowstep Revolution Stairs, LED Tail lights
2015 RAM 3500 Laramie SRW LB CC Cummins 6.7L Aisin Trans B&W RVK3600
|
|
|
06-16-2016, 06:17 PM
|
#16
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Land O Lakes
Posts: 932
M.O.C. #9053
|
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.
__________________
Walt and Carol Ashley, with fond memories of Bailey the Chesapeake! Land O Lakes, FL
2009 Big Sky 365REQ 10th Anniversary Edition
2008 Ford F350 King Ranch Super Duty
|
|
|
06-17-2016, 05:17 AM
|
#17
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Lake Havasu City AZ.
Posts: 1,811
M.O.C. #10552
|
My 08 did not have that feature but the 15 has it. Differnt engines I guess.
__________________
Wayne and Ann Moore
2015 Ford F-350 King Ranch
Firestone air bags, bed saver.
Add 40 GAL tank in bed.
|
|
|
|
Thread Tools |
Search this Thread |
|
|
Display Modes |
Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
» Recent Threads |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|