6.4L Power Stroke Engine and DrivetrainDiscussion of the 6.4L Power Stroke diesel engine and drivetrain in the 2008 Super-Duty trucks. No gas engine discussion allowed except on transmissions and drivetrain that pertain to all models. Please confine discussion of topics in this forum to those items that are specific to the 6.4L Power Stroke engine.
I was told by another Powerstroke (7.3) owner to put an additive in the coolant system to combat cavitation. Does anyone do this on their 6.4? If so, what do you use and how often do you put it in?
Yes, DCA, DCA4 and other additives are used in diesel antifreeze to combat "cavitation" along cylinder walls which occurs as the coolant meets the extreme heat caused by combustion which pitts the cylinder walls. This can eventually "eat thru" the cylinder requiring sleeving in most instances. It is not required for all manufacturers.
On the Cummins equipment I maintained, we had a quarterly test requirement and had gallon containers of the stuff to bring the coolants into spec ranges. Ironically, it was "consumed" or became 'inactive' routinely requiring a couple of gallons each test along with changing 4 DCA additive charged filters for each engine. On the smaller 5.9L Cummins, we just changed the combination additive charged filter.
I'm not sure about the 6L or the 6.4L design, but it could be possible that it doesn't require an additive. Ford parts counter probably couldn't tell you, you could contact an IH dealership and see if there is any mention of it for there engines......they're a little more diesel orientated.
However, it is possible the additive is already mixed into the coolant you are currently running. I do not know if Ford has a test strip available, but I would recommend your own testing schedule if there is not one established. Such a small system, I could see a semi or yearly test. The real question would be is if you could get the additive as a stand alone or only incorporated in the antifreeze requiring a flush.
If it is combined with the coolant, it is usually stated on the container. I have a full gallon of the Ford gold coolant from my now gone 6L that just says "bittering agent".
Could be Ford's code word for DCA or it's equivelant, I don't know.
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These engines that we run ( Ford = 6.4,GM= 6.6 and dodge =6.7) aren't linered engines. What happens is the vibrations of the liners cause pitting of the liners. The DCA diesel coolant additive , SCA supplemental coolant additive are put in and added respectively to reduce that problem on the larger engines. So don't put them in the engine.
I was told by another Powerstroke (7.3) owner to put an additive in the coolant system to combat cavitation. Does anyone do this on their 6.4?
No, not if you use Ford-approved antifreeze, called G-05, in your cooling system. The G-05 antifreeze includes anti-cavitation properties in it's chemical makeup, so you don't need to add more if you change it per Ford instructions.
Zerex G-05 antifreeze is the original G-05. Ford's Motorcraft Premium Gold is another brand of the same thing. And there may be other brands.
Back before 2002 model year, Ford used low-silicate green antifreeze that required supplemental coolant additive (SCA) to prevent cavitation. But in 2002 model year Ford changed to the G-05, which is maintenance free for 100,000 miles on the factory fill, and 50,000 miles after you change it the first time. Zerex says it's good for 150,000 miles, but to maintain your factory warranty you should go by Ford's instructions. G-05® Antifreeze/ Coolant
Your friend's Owner's Guide probably warns him to add SCA to his 7.3L cooling system to prevent cavitation. If he hasn't changed to the gold coolant, then he should follow his Owner's Guide regarding antifreese and SCA. But your Owner's Guide doesn't mention SCA because Ford PSDs since 2002 haven't needed any.
Terminology: The most popular brand of SCA for older PSDs is Fleetguard DCA4. The DCA is short for Diesel Coolant Additive, and the 4 is for version 4, which includes molybdate and nitrite chemicals to help prevent cavitation. Ford's brand of DCA4 is Motorcraft Heavy Duty Cooling System Additive VC8.
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Last edited by SmokeyWren : 02-28-2008 at 03:23 PM.
If it is combined with the coolant, it is usually stated on the container. I have a full gallon of the Ford gold coolant from my now gone 6L that just says "bittering agent".
Could be Ford's code word for DCA or it's equivelant, I don't know.
.
i think the "bittering agent" is added to deter animals/kids from ingesting the coolant. Thanks PETA...now i can't use antifreeze to get rid of stray dogs!!!!
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If it is combined with the coolant, it is usually stated on the container. I have a full gallon of the Ford gold coolant from my now gone 6L that just says "bittering agent".
Could be Ford's code word for DCA or it's equivelant, I don't know.
No, the bittering agent is not an SCA or DCA. It is simply nasty-tasting stuff so kids and dogs and other animals won't drink the antifreeze or coolant from careless owners who don't properly dispose of their used coolant, or who might spill new antifreeze on the driveway then not clean it up. Ordinary antifreeze without the added bittering agent tastes sweet and good to kids and animals, so they lap it up, then die - or at least get very, very sick. So some states, such as Oregon, require the bittering agent to be added to all antifreeze.
Fortunately, Texas doesn't have such "Big Brother" rules yet, so there is no bittering agent in the antifreeze sold here.
Last edited by SmokeyWren : 02-28-2008 at 06:40 PM.
Reason: typos
I was told by another Powerstroke (7.3) owner to put an additive in the coolant system to combat cavitation. Does anyone do this on their 6.4? If so, what do you use and how often do you put it in?
Yes you should use the SCA in the coolant.
IH has Fleetgard antifreeze with SCA's in it . Use only DISTILLED WATER for the 50/50 mixture . IH has the 50/50 mixed already , but it's expensive that way. They also have the test strips . Search "cavitation" boat loads of info on it .
the harmonic vibrations of the diesel cycle are what causes cavitation. its basically the same as what you do to a boat prop if you cavitate that, vaccuum bubbles collapsing causing small explosions that rip the metal apart. its not JUST that the gold antifreeze has dca already, but the fact is the gold is NOT compatible with dca not sure just what it will do but not good i'm told. thats why you're not supposed to add green or red to the gold as topup they use different technology to protect the engine
What I don't know now is why the same antifreeze is required for the gas engine.
It allows Ford dealers to stock only one antifreeze for almost all '99-up Ford vehicles. Look at Ford's current Motorcraft Service Coolant Useage Chart (SCUC) and you'll notice most Fords now all use the same coolant. If the vehicle is coded Y or GY, it can use the gold coolant our PSDs require. http://www.fcsdchemicalsandlubricant...ckref/scuc.pdf
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My Sierra Blanca is a '99.5 PSD CrewCab hot-rod Towing Machine! BTS tranny; TurboRamAir intake and 4" stainless turbo-back exhaust; DP-Tuner tunes flashed into an Edge Evolution tuner; ISSPRO EV gauges and TTM; AIC; SP-Diesel exhaust brake and torque converter controller. I special-ordered it new and plan to drive it until it quits.
Last edited by SmokeyWren : 02-29-2008 at 11:37 PM.
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