SCA questions

[fields_mj]

I'm going to go pick up a truck tomorrow. I'm going to test the coolant before I go anywhere with it. If the strips show that the coolant is no good, or maybe isn't as good as it should be, can I go to NAPA or AutoZone and get the additives to add to it, or do I need to drain the coolant, and put in new stuff?

If I can buy the additives, what are my choices? How hard is it to figure out how much to add?


Thanks,
Mark

 

[Michael Fowler]

Ford and International sell the same stuff. Much pricier in FORD bottles. Make sure the test strips match the particular SCA you plan to use as some strips will not indicate with some additives.

 

[Agnem]

A good rule of thumb any time you get a new to you vehicle, is to drain, flush, and refill the cooling system. You don't know what is in there, or how long it has been there.

 

[ericboutin]

Definately agree that if you have an International dealership around that is a great way to go! I'm lucky to have one just 20 mins away. They are great cuz they know what you need and are a great help. Just walk in and tell em what you're doing and what you need and they'll point you in the correct direction. Not just a bunch of blank stares you'll get from the kid at Advance...

Now to hijack the thread alittle bit...how long do ya'll wait before you do a complete flush and refill. Like fields I drained and topped off the fluid with proper amount of SCA's when I bought the Dewey but that has been at least 5 years ago. Is it time to completely re-do or just keep topping off the SCA's when they get low? Ok hijak over...

 

[fields_mj]

I've read the tech articles, and will read them again before I go buy any, but from what I'm hearing everyone say I should be able to go to Ford or IH and they should be able to tell/sell me exactly what I need and I won't have to add anything to it. Is that right?

By the way, got the truck. It's my first diesel. Drove it 944 miles home. I think I'm going to like it a lot....

Thanks again,
Mark

 

[fields_mj]

Ford and International sell the same stuff. Much pricier in FORD bottles. Make sure the test strips match the particular SCA you plan to use as some strips will not indicate with some additives.

I"m pretty lucky then. I have one that's 10 min from the house. Time to find out how they are.

 

[Exekiel69]

I believe in a 8 gallon system (ours is about that much with the reservoir bottle filled as well) You need 8 units. The bottles You'll get at IH are from fleetguard and each one has 4 units so You'll need two. You can do the coolant filter upgrade later and just buy the 8 unit precharged filters every 6+ months. The coolant can be the low silicate coolant or there is also a precharged coolant (purple in color) You can use as well.

 

[fuzzy1626]

If you get Fleetguard test strips at IH, check the date stamped on the back of the pack. My local IH dealer has strips that went out of date in April 2008
I get Fleetguard strips in the four packs from genosgarage.com. Last ones I got are good till Dec. 2010

 

[OLDBULL8]

If you go to IH dealer get the full strength Fleetgard 4 gallons, then goto the grocer and get 4 gallons of steam distilled water, it's cheaper that way. Compare the full strength with the pre-mix in price. The SCA's are allready in the Fleetgard coolant. Be sure and drain and flush before changing, and don't forget to drain the block, one plug on each side towards the rear, pass side is behind the starter, use only a six point socket or wrench so you don't round off the hex, plugs are brass. Drain the block again after the flush. No need for test strips for about 30,000 miles.

 

[fields_mj]

Well, I didn't get to read the last few posts until AFTER I changed the coolant. The guy at the IH dealership said that he thought one pint should be enough..... Nope.... Test strips show that I still need quite a bit more. I'll get two more pints tomorrow. Probably only need one, but then I'll have a spare.

Thanks,
Mark

 

[Exekiel69]

Well, I didn't get to read the last few posts until AFTER I changed the coolant. The guy at the IH dealership said that he thought one pint should be enough..... Nope.... Test strips show that I still need quite a bit more. I'll get two more pints tomorrow. Probably only need one, but then I'll have a spare.

Thanks,
Mark

Good thinking, or just do the coolant filter upgrade with pre charged filters.

 

[fields_mj]

Good thinking, or just do the coolant filter upgrade with pre charged filters.

I'm going to have to do some more research on that. That sounds like a good idea. Where's the coolant filter located? I didn't know that there was one.

 

[Agnem]

There isn't one.... until you add it.

 

[hesutton]

I run a precharged Fleetguard filter with 8 units of DCA 4. The Part number for the filter is WF2073. I got the filter head at an International dealer, but I cannot remember the part number. I check the DCA level with the Fleetguard strips at every oil change. Once the level gets below 1.8 or so, I change the filter.

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Heath

 

[fields_mj]

Ahh haaa... That makes sense. Other than maintaining the SCA levels, what does a coolant filter do for me? I know the obvious answer that it keeps the coolant clean. Maybe a better way to ask the question is what am I going to gain for the $$ I spend on the filtration system?