Coolant

Which are we suppose to use in our trucks? When the pricks broke into my truck they took my manuel and I can't remember what we are suppose to use.Thanks.

Here ia a quote from a guy who knows,,,,, "4 gallons of anti-freeze concentrate. In agreement with International who made your engine, I recommend a conventional coolant with SCA, or a pre-charged conventional coolant for the early 99's (pre-2/2/99). For all other 99-up PSD's I recommend a Heavy Duty ELC. But the choice of coolant is yours"

I've just used regular Anti-freeze like you would for a gasser. Just make sure to add the anti cavation stuff, you can go down to your Ford dealer & pick up a bottle for about $6 or so.

Or International. I have a copy of the owners manual in PDF format. If you PM me an e-mail address I will be happy to send it to you.

Hmmmm....I guess that means that I could get some from CAT too. I'll do that next year just so I can say I used some special stuff from CAT to save my truck! :D

Or International. I have a copy of the owners manual in PDF format. If you PM me an e-mail address I will be happy to send it to you.

Thanks I'll send you a pm.

In 2002 Ford switched everything to an ELC coolant. You can run ELC in any 7.3 and you can run conventional coolant in any ELC. If you are switching from a conventional to an ELC you MUST flush the system and get all the old coolant out.

I don't totally agree with 69's statement fully. you can run any coolant but there were changes from the early 99's to the late 99's and up. A conventional pre-charged coolant is best for early's and a heavy duty ELC is better for late 99 on up.

I don't totally agree with 69's statement fully. you can run any coolant but there were changes from the early 99's to the late 99's and up. A conventional pre-charged coolant is best for early's and a heavy duty ELC is better for late 99 on up.


Per Gooch, the coolant wizard. (Damn, I wish he would come over here)

What changed? The only real difference is the WP seal. Is the rad different? Rad/heater hoses different? HG's different? Block casting material different? Go ask Navistar directly (don't ask the dealer). We have been running ELC in all of our 444's at work whether they be bagged as 7.3 or 444 and not had any issues. The current inventory of HD diesel engines in the fleet ranges from 1968 to 2007.5. We have 444's from early 94 all the way until 2004.5, they all get ELC as it is the only coolant we stock.

Use whatever makes you feel warm and fuzzy.

Thanks guys but I am looking for what kind of brands that I can get that have what our PSD's need.

Buy any HD coolant, not the stuff for gas engines. Go to any truck shop or dealer like Kenworth, Detroit, Navistar/International, etc. and buy either regular pre-charged coolant or an ELC.

International, who made you engine, found compatibility issues when using ELC coolants in those early '99 engines. They revised all engines after that (2/2/99-up) to be compatible with ELC coolants. This included upgrading the gaskets, o-rings, seals, injector cups, sensors, front cover, and probably some other things. International began recommending and factory filling with HD ELC (Texaco ELC) in July of 2000, and later with the HD Fleetrite ELC (which is re-labeled Rotella ELC).

Many members, owners, and fleets have been taking advantage of the benefits of HD ELC coolants in the PSD for many years without problems. Most of the water pump failures can be attributed to the abrasive silicates found in low-silicate coolants, like the conventional green and hybrid gold coolants. These inorganic silicates eventually become insoluble and begin forming microscopic abrasives that find their way between the pump shaft and seal, eventually eating it away. The best way to avoid that is to change those low-silicate coolants frequently. HD ELC coolants are silicate-free. The exposed design of the pump seal, and manufacturing contaminates left in the block, can also contribute to pump failure.

This is why I like to recommend conventional coolants in the pre-2/2/99 engines, and HD ELC's in later engines. A coolant filter is a great add-on too.