Coolant Flush - VC9

[bismic]

Originally Posted by ford_doctor

You are missing an important reason for using the flush on any diesel engine. The flush most importantly removes what is left the depleted and broken down protective layer that forms on the cylinder walls and other metal surfaces inside the cooling system. Once the system has been cleaned installing the correct coolant containing the SCA will allow a fresh layer to form providing continued protection from corrosion and cavitation erosion.

The coolant filter systems are not a bad idea and they do remove the debris from the system but you still need to service the system chemically. It is not wise to skip the flush.

Thank you! Since Ford's original maintenance recommendation was 90k for the first flush, I assumed that doing it early at 50k was good enough. So even with my "proactive" timing, you would recommend to flush it again, but using the VC-9 this time (I just want to be sure that I did not misunderstand your post)?

I do understand the full reason for the chemical treatment, my only question is "what is the timing for it being required?".

[willingtonpaul]

i just had my '06 done at the dealership tuesday of this week....


they charged me $59.99 for the flush, $29.99 for 2 gallons of premium gold (another posted in this thread said his dealership used 2 gals as well), and $6.99 for a waste disposal fee. whole deal was 100 bucks basically. took 'em a little over an hour, i waited. told me they hook it to a machine to do it. i did it at 57K.

the dealership never mentioned anything about VC-9 as an option. should i go back and ask ???? i added the coolant filter yesterday, so in a couple of months, we'll see what we get....figured i would add it after the flush based on reading posts on this site....

my coolant temp / oil temp has never gotten higher than 15 degrees.....i have seen it at 12-13 a couple of times pulling up a long grade however.....

[69cj]

Originally Posted by bismic

Thank you! Since Ford's original maintenance recommendation was 90k for the first flush, I assumed that doing it early at 50k was good enough. So even with my "proactive" timing, you would recommend to flush it again, but using the VC-9 this time (I just want to be sure that I did not misunderstand your post)?

I do understand the full reason for the chemical treatment, my only question is "what is the timing for it being required?".

Mark, It's mileage/5 years whichever comes first.

[bismic]

Originally Posted by 69cj

Mark, It's mileage/5 years whichever comes first.

I flushed mine at the halfway point on both time and mileage (give or take a few months). I assumed that the chemical treatement would be sufficient for the 5 yr / 100k mark (and not required at the 3 yr / 50k mark).

[fonecop1]

Originally Posted by stoverbro

Ok ive read this whole thread 3 or 4 times.


If the coolant capacity of the truck is 27.5 quarts and the mix is to be 50/50, then doesnt that require 13.25 quarts of coolant?

50/50 means half water and half coolant. Therefore 13.25 quarts water, 13.25 quarts coolant.

correct?

I'm confused too, maybe it's new math but I didn't understand how 15 parts water and 8 parts antifreeze equals a 50/50 mix.

[OT]

F..your not alone. Getting ready to do mine, BUT....

notice says...The coolant concentration should be maintained at a 50/50 mix (freeze protection to -34F/-36C) of "Coolant and Distilled water". Remembering the "corrosion protection" not just freeze point. Goes on to say...

If the nitrite level is below 300ppm, flush with VC9 & refill the engine coolant. To me that means check coolant with test strip. So which is it..13.75qts gold or 2 gal. gold..flush with VC9 or dont?

I think using the VC9 would be beneficial, even thou saying VC9 flush maynot be necessary depending on nitrite level.

[69cj]

Originally Posted by willingtonpaul

i just had my '06 done at the dealership tuesday of this week....


they charged me $59.99 for the flush, $29.99 for 2 gallons of premium gold (another posted in this thread said his dealership used 2 gals as well), and $6.99 for a waste disposal fee. whole deal was 100 bucks basically. took 'em a little over an hour, i waited. told me they hook it to a machine to do it. i did it at 57K.

the dealership never mentioned anything about VC-9 as an option. should i go back and ask ???? i added the coolant filter yesterday, so in a couple of months, we'll see what we get....figured i would add it after the flush based on reading posts on this site....

my coolant temp / oil temp has never gotten higher than 15 degrees.....i have seen it at 12-13 a couple of times pulling up a long grade however.....

They either didn't get Ford's coolant letter or are ignoring it. I would call them on it. They should redo the flush and only charge you for the VC-9 in my opinion, whatever that is worth.

[ford_doctor]

Originally Posted by bismic

Thank you! Since Ford's original maintenance recommendation was 90k for the first flush, I assumed that doing it early at 50k was good enough. So even with my "proactive" timing, you would recommend to flush it again, but using the VC-9 this time (I just want to be sure that I did not misunderstand your post)?

I do understand the full reason for the chemical treatment, my only question is "what is the timing for it being required?".

The basics.
I go by what is in the on-line service manuals and bulletins. The service life for the Premium Gold Coolant is 100,000 miles - the schedule in the manual shows it at the 102,000 or 105,000 mile interval. The other half of the issue is the nitrite levels need to be monitored and serviced regularly because nitrites deplete rapidly and will never last 100,000 miles. In theory and in a perfect situation, if you were to properly monitor and maintain the nitrite level the coolant is good for 100,000 miles.


Life with these engines is not perfect.
Regular monitoring and adjustment of nitrite levels is seldom perfectly performed depending on the owner and operating situations. Several factors will also cause nitrite levels to fall or damage the protective layer on metal surfaces requiring cleaning and flushing of the system. These are:

• Allowing the nitrite level to fall below 300 PPM
• Fuel contamination of the coolant
• Oil contamination of the coolant.
• Combustion gasses entering the cooling system
• Severe overheating
• Mixing incompatible coolant types
• Engine replacement or major engine repairs

Any of the listed scenarios creates the need for a proper engine flush - using the VC9 and new coolant therefore there is no way to recommend a time table or interval requirement. I, as do many owners like the idea of flushing and refilling the system at 50,000 mile intervals.