F 350 4WD Super Duty V8-6.4L DSL Turbo (2008)
Coolant: Technical Service Bulletins
Cooling System - Coolant Maintenance Service Tips
TSB 09-8-5
05/04/09
DIESEL COOLANT MAINTENANCE - SERVICE TIPS
FORD:
2003-2005 Excursion
2003-2008 E-350, E-450, E-550, F-Super Duty
ISSUE
This TSB is to provide additional information to supplement the Workshop Manual (WSM) and Owner Guide information on the importance of cooling
system maintenance for diesel engine equipped vehicles. Some customers, using their trucks under special operating conditions, indicate that operating
with insufficient coolant strength (antifreeze or anticorrosion) can result in significant engine damage. Insufficient coolant strength can result when:
^
Cooling system pressure and coolant is lost.
^
The coolant level is topped off using the incorrect coolant.
^
The coolant is mixed with hard water.
^
Coolant is mixed at the incorrect concentration.
^
Vehicles are operated under the special operating conditions as defined in the maintenance schedule (heavy commercial use that results in frequent or
extensive idling, frequent low speed/rush hour traffic use; vehicles operated under special conditions such as: sustained high speed driving at
maximum GVWR load, towing a trailer, using a slide in camper (F-Super Duty) or car top carrier (E-Series).
Proper cooling system maintenance is critical for maximum engine performance and efficiency on today's high technology diesel engines. It is essential
that; the proper coolant is used, the coolant level is checked routinely, the coolant strength (antifreeze and anticorrosion property) is tested frequently and
that the cooling system is flushed (with Motorcraft® Engine Cooling System Iron Cleaner) at the proper intervals.
ACTION
Check and maintain the coolant strength (antifreeze and anticorrosion) and flush the cooling system using the recommended service procedures and
frequencies detailed below.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
1. Inspect the coolant color as stated in the WSM, Section 303-03. If the coolant is not a clear or pale yellow color and has not had any coolant additive
added, flush the cooling system with Motorcraft® Engine Cooling System Iron Cleaner and refill with a 50/50 mix of Motorcraft® Premium Gold
Coolant and distilled water. No further action is required at this time. If the coolant is clear or pale yellow, proceed to Step 2.
2. Recommend measure coolant antifreeze strength. Measure the antifreeze strength following the recommended frequencies detailed in the chart
below. A 50/50 mix provides protection to -34 °F (-36 °C), for operation below this level, refer to the applicable Owner Guide and WSM for
specifications. Proceed to Step 3.
