Coolant Drain Question - Engine capacity

[4x4Mark]

I'll be draining my fluid tomorrow and going with the new Delo ELC. As the passenger side engine plug looks to be a pain, how much fluid would you guess is left in the engine if:

- radiator hoses are removed and allowed to thoroughly drain
- the driver's side plug removed and allowed to drain

I plan to do at least 2 fills/warm-ups/drains of distilled water before my final fill, and need to anticipate how much of the water will be left in the engine in order to match it with straight coolant. The rest of my refill with be with 50/50 premix.

As system capacity is just under 7 gallons, I'm hoping not more than a gallon or so will be left.

Thanks,

Mark

[grounder]

I am guesssing it would be a gallon and a Half max.Also remember to NEVER add any DCA or SCA additives to ELC coolant True ELC coolant is Always Red in color.The ELC coolant has a Organic Acid compound in it which provides the Cavitation protection. Adding any DCA or SCA additive will ruin its protection ability. Same thing goes If you ever choose to ever put a External coolant filter on it. Never put a Pre-charged filter on with any additives in it.Only The Extender additive is to be used and usually is put in at 3yrs 300,000 mile.Different maufacturers have different timelines but that is pretty close to what I just said.It should state on the Jug.I run the CAT ELC in mine and I have also installed a External filter on it which is a good Idea IMO.You cannot test ELC coolant with test strips either.They only work with Nitrates in the SCA additives that you would use to Make a Conventional coolant Diesel compatible.Ford should not give you a Hard time over it either as it is Factory fill on The International version.It would depend on your dealer I guess.If you were to get questioned by Ford over it.I would bring that Fact up.

[4x4Mark]

Thanks! No SCAs here. My original gold coolant is still in good condition, so a nice time to switch. I've had a coolant filter on for a couple of years (non-charged), with filter changes every 10k. I'll switch to 15k now to match my fuel filter schedul

The new Delo ELC is advertising 750k/8 years on initial fill; 1mill/8 years if extender at 400k. The mileage I'll never see, but with annual freeze point checks and proper adjustment, I should be good for at least 8 more years

Thanks again for the input!

Mark

[diesel_doctor]

I swap out coolant for the ELC all the time, don't forget to use some air and blow out the heater core.

[grounder]

Yep no problem. I usually deal with waterpumps every couple Weeks on CATS.I just didnt remember the exact timelines on Adding the extender.Going Braindead Occasionally LOL!!Keep a eye on things for a week or so after you change it.I dont know what it is about it.But If there is any weak spots sometimes this ELC will find its way out of every weak hoseclamp connection in the system.

[ford_doctor]

[ QUOTE ]
I'll be draining my fluid tomorrow and going with the new Delo ELC. As the passenger side engine plug looks to be a pain, how much fluid would you guess is left in the engine if:

- radiator hoses are removed and allowed to thoroughly drain
- the driver's side plug removed and allowed to drain

I plan to do at least 2 fills/warm-ups/drains of distilled water before my final fill, and need to anticipate how much of the water will be left in the engine in order to match it with straight coolant. The rest of my refill with be with 50/50 premix.

As system capacity is just under 7 gallons, I'm hoping not more than a gallon or so will be left.

Thanks,

Mark

[/ QUOTE ]


According to the service manual, a little less than 80% of the coolant can be recovered with the engine in the vehicle. The procedure in the manual only mentions opening the drain cock. As discussed here, a motivated individual can access both plugs in the engine block and drain most of the remaining coolant from the system.

Now, with my experience in replacing 6.0L engines on Super Duty trucks, I basically install 6 gallons plus a "splash" of new 50/50 pre-mixed coolant. With a system capacity of 27.5 quarts, that 6 gallons leaves approximately 3.5 quarts or less that is remaining in the heater core. My bet is less because that extra "splash" I mentioned is typically close to a half gallon after the truck has been through a heat cycle, purged and allowed to cool.

[4x4Mark]

Well, got it done. Three evolutions of draining the radiator - drain valve and lower hose, and drivers side engine plug. Each time it took 4 gallons of water to refill. As I didn't have enough straight ELC to make up for the estimated 10.5 quarts left in the engine, I finally decided to take it to a place with a coolant exchanger and had them cycle in 7 gallons of ELC (50/50). I'll keep an eye on it and after a couple days adjust the freeze point with what concentrate I have (1 gallon).

Thanks all for the input!

Mark