How often should you change 6.7 powerstroke coolant? 6.7 powerstroke coolant changes are necessary to keep your 6.7 powerstroke running at optimal performance, and prevent engine damage from occurring in the future. This article will answer all of your 6.7 powerstroke coolant change questions and provide product reviews that will help you make an informed decision on what kind of 6.7 powerstroke coolant to purchase for your vehicle!
Ford 6.7 Powerstroke Coolant Change [hide]
About Ford 6.7 Powerstroke Cooling System
The 6.7 powerstroke is distinguished from other diesel engines because it uses two separate cooling systems to keep the engine, transmission fluid, fuel cooler, and EGR system cool. Keeping coolant separate from the engine’s cooling system has a few benefits. First of all, traditional cooling systems often have to contend with broken down EGR coolants and particles that are also in the engine water.
Engine air cooling starts with an intercooler and the 6.7L Powerstroke has the finest of them, thanks to its Air-To-Water intercooler. And because this type of piping employs fluid as a medium, it carries out two functions at once: not only does an Air-To-Water Intercooler save space.
The 6.7L Power Stroke diesel engine has two separate cooling systems: an air-to-liquid system and a pressurized liquid coolant system.
- An engine cooling system is classified as a primary or high temperature cooling system.
- The powertrain secondary cooling system cools some of the engine components like the Charge Air Cooler (CAC), fuel cooler, EGR cooler, and transmission oil cooler.
The 6.7L Power Stroke diesel engine has both a cooling system and a radiator, with its own belt-driven coolant pump, thermostats and degas bottle. The only coolant to use is Motorcraft® Specialty Orange mixed with distilled water. Corrosion resistance should be checked at specific intervals using a Motorcraft® test strip.
Capacity of coolant in a 6.7 Powerstroke engine
6.7 Powerstroke engines can hold up to 35 quarts of coolant mixture, but they differ depending on the year: 2011-2016 models range from 30-35 quarts, while 2017+ models generally need 30-35 quarts of coolant.
How often to replace or flushe coolant
Every 30,000 miles, replace the grease and seals on your truck’s front wheel bearings if they use unsealed bearings.Checking the coolant content and additive strength of the engine and secondary cooling system is an important step in winterizing your vehicle. Top off the coolant concentration if necessary to prepare for winter weather.
Every 60,000 miles make a complete coolant flush and refill. After the initial full flush routine, every 45,000 miles repeat that process.
Old vehicles often recommend flushing the cooling system every two years or after 30,000 miles. The life span of new-model vehicles’ coolant lasts up to 100,000 miles. Always consult the manufacturer’s recommendations in the owner’s manual when servicing your vehicle. When you follow the necessary procedures for replacing and/or flushing your car’s coolant, it will protect both your cooling system and all other parts of your vehicle.
When repairs to your car cooling system require draining and replacing the coolant, it is a good idea to drain the old fluid first. If excessive corrosion is present or if your vehicle has been overdue for the regular service interval, then a full coolant flush should be performed to ensure good performance.
Symptoms that may require a coolant flush?
If the coolant in your vehicle is not changed on a regular basis, it may affect engine performance. To avoid these issues, this should be part of all scheduled maintenance. Some symptoms you may experience include:
- If your car overheats
- The inside of this car has a very strange swet odor
- Coolant can leak from cooling system
- The heater does not produce heat.
Most Common Ford 6.7L Power Stroke Engine Problems
Talking about diesel engine problems on the Ford 6.7L Power Stroke- common and not so common, we are focusing our attention on “Scorpion,” an exclusive design by Ford engineers that is also used in Super Duty rigs from 2011 to now.
The six-seven engine has proven its ability to power these vehicles in just a few short years. There are three generations of the powerplant:
- 1st Generation 2011-2014 (First).
- 2nd Generation 2015-2019 (Second).
- 3rd Generation torque monster (1,050 lb-ft) found in 2020-2021 F-Series trucks.
Ford began designing its next engine from the ground up when it developed an in-house Powerstroke. Ford approached the design of this engine so that it would be optimal for use in its own vehicles. One way Ford improved performance was by adding features such as valves with individual pushrods and an air-to-water intercooler to regulate temperature. But the problem is not over just yet. There are still some common 6.7 Powerstroke cooling problems you should watch out for.
Leaks, and Bad Bearings
Although the early production of oil burners may experience broken glow plugs, flaws in the primary stock radiator and at the coolant inlet on the turbocharger are much more serious. Early versions of this model have ceramic ball-bearings that fail as frequency is similar to a 6.0L EGRs having problems.
Not Cool
One would have hoped that engineers who specifically designed a cooler for the 6.7L Power Stroke engines would have learned from the mistakes of those designing the problematic 6.0L and 6.4L coolers, but this doesn’t seem to be the case.
Ford 6.7L Powerstroke Coolant Check
Every 6 months, or 12,000 miles–whichever comes first–you should check your 6.700 powerstroke coolant level and top off the radiator with clean water as necessary to bring it up to its proper level. You want at least three inches of fluid in both tanks when you are done topping them back up again. That’s a lot easier said than done on older 6.700L engines that have been sitting for a while because they typically carry more than six gallons of fluid internally so take care not to overfill the internal tank when adding anything else if these steps need following! When replacing 6-year used 6.700 engine coolant you will find this is especially true, but there’s no worries; just make sure.
Here WARNING tips to follow while you are coolant checking.
- After the engine has been running or if the cooling system is hot, don’t remove the coolant reservoir cap. Allow 10 minutes for the cooling system to cool, then gently pull off the cover and slowly open a small edge of cap about one inch.
- Do not spray coolant or washer fluid on the windshield. If sprayed on the windshield, it can make it difficult to see through.
- To reduce the risk of personal injury, make sure the engine is cool before loosening or tightening any portions of the cooling system. When you release pressure on fluids in a hot engine, they can be released forcefully.
- When the engine is cold, check the concentration and level of coolant as detailed in your car’s scheduled maintenance information.
Note: Check the windshield washer fluid outside of its specified function and vehicle location.
olant level between MIN and MAX on the reservoir.
Note: The level may extend beyond the MAX mark because the coolant expands in warmer conditions.
Maintain coolant concentration between -30°F (-34°C) and -34°F (-37°C). A refractometer takes the guesswork out of checking coolant concentration, but hydrometers and test strips are not reliable for measuring coolant concentrations.
Ford 6.7 Powerstroke Coolant Change and Flush
A coolant change is as simple as draining the old fluid, then topping up the radiator with more fluid until it’s full. Alternatively a technician can remove (or drain) plugs that reside on your engine block, replacing all fluids with new liquid.
A coolant flush is a more extensive procedure, and usually more expensive. Flushing replaces old liquid with fresh coolant via high-pressure water blasts to remove residue from the radiator and engine block passageways. It finishes by filling it back up with new replacement coolant.
A 6.7L powerstroke diesel engine coolant change includes draining the fuel and then replacing it with new 6.7 powerstroke diesel engine coolant.
Note: Automotive fluids cannot be interchanged with one another. Coolant and windshield washer fluid should only be used in their designated areas
Note: It is not advisable to use stop leak pellets, cooling system sealants, or additives for the engine. This may void your vehicle’s warranty.
It’s important to use coolant that corresponds with your vehicle specifications when filling the radiator. Never mix different colors or types of coolant in a car, because mixing can harm engine components and may make warranty coverage void.
It is important to keep an eye on the coolant levels, and if they are at and below the minimum mark it may be time to add some more.
It’s important to remember that some of the older vehicles have a coolant overflow system and, for these vehicles, you simply want to add engine coolant when the engine is cold. For newer cars with radiator degas systems that are pressurized and sealed tightly with coolant relief caps, you need to carefully follow these steps which would allow you one more option:
- Turn the engine off after the vehicle has cooled.
- Gently unscrew the cap. With a little pressure, air can escape as you remove it.
- Slowly add coolant to the engine to a point between the minimum and maximum range on your engine cooling system at room temperature. When adding coolant, make sure you fill both the overflow reservoir and radiator until visibly full. Make sure that when you’re adding liquid to bring it within its minimum and maximum range, it remains there once cold again.
- Replace the reservoir cap and turn it clockwise until you feel a strong resistance.
- Check the engine coolant level in the reservoir every few times you drive your vehicle; if it needs to be refilled, drain and refill it at a service station.
If prediluted coolant is unavailable, dilute approved antifreeze concentrate 50/50 with distilled water. Never use drinking water or any other liquid as this may contribute to corrosion and plugging of small cooling system passageways.
If you need to add more than 11 quarts of coolant within the span of a year, have your vehicle checked right away. Operating an engine with low level of coolant can result in overheating which can damage the engine.
If your car breaks down and there is an emergency, add a lot of water to the coolant reservoir in order to reach a service location. When you arrive, do the following:
- Remove the old coolant and water from the engine.
- Clean the engine according to the instructions of Motorcraft Premium Cooling System Flush.
- Add coolant (pre-diluted) as soon as possible.
Without adding coolant to water, engines are liable to overheat or freeze. Never use the following items as a replacement for coolant:
- Any coolant mixed with methanol or alcohol may form a poisonous gas.
- Methanol.
- Alcohol.
- Brine.
Adding extra additives or contaminants could harm the coolant and prevent it from performing as intended.
Engine and Secondary Cooling System Refill Procedure
Before refilling the engine or secondary cooling systems after it has been drained, perform this procedure:
- Before you remove the cap, turn off the engine and let it cool.
- When the engine is cool, put a thick cloth on top of the cap. Turn counterclockwise until there’s some resistance.
- Wait for the pressure to release.
- Once you are certain that all the pressure has been released, unscrew the cap by turning it counterclockwise.
- Add prediluted coolant to the reservoir and fill it until it is between the min and max line as listed on the container.
- Reinstall the pressure relief cap securely.
- Start the engine and let it idle at 2000 RPM for 2 minutes.
- Make sure the engine is off and then remove the pressure relief valve cap before fueling your car.
- If required, add prediluted engine coolant to the reservoir until it is within the minimum and maximum range as listed on the liquid level indicator.
- Repeat steps 5 through 9 until the upper radiator hose is warm to the touch-which indicates that coolant is flowing and the thermostat has opened.
- Repeat steps 1-10 of the previous section, checking the coolant. The coolant should not be dissipating after each step and the lower passenger side of the secondary radiator should feel warm to touch if it is working correctly.
- Check the coolant level in both systems before you drive your vehicle the next few times.
- Add engine coolant if necessary so that the fluid is within the minimum and maximum levels listed on the coolant reservoir. Once you have added the coolant, take a look at the concentration of additives.
WARNING: Do not add engine coolant when the engine is hot. Doing so could result in personal injury.
WARNING: Do not take the cap off the coolant vent when the engine is running, as it will lead to an overflow. Wait 10 minutes for engine to cool down. Cover vent cap with thick cloth before removing it and slowly do so without burning fingers. Failure to adhere may result in injury.
Recycled Coolant
Company does not recommend using recycled coolant because there is no approved recycling process for it. When your engine coolant fluid reaches its expiration date, make sure you dispose of it in accordance with the regulations and standards for recycling and disposing of automotive fluids.
Severe Climates
To help your vehicle in very cold climates, you may need to increase the coolant concentration above 50%. A higher coolant concentration of 60% provides increased freeze point protection. Increasing the concentration over 60% decreases the engine’s cooling and surge capacity and can ultimately cause engine damage.
Be aware that it may be difficult to handle your car if you drive in hot climates. It’s recommended not to reduce the concentration of coolant lower than 40% as this will decrease the freeze and corrosion protection and could cause engine damage.
Vehicles driven in non-extreme climates can protect their cooling system and engine with diluted coolant.
Coolant Change
After following the specific mileage intervals in the scheduled maintenance information, you will be required to change the cooling fluid. The vehicle’s display may show a message asking you to do so. Follow directions on changing coolant before adding prediluted coolant approved for use with your make and model of car.
Ford 6.7 Powerstroke Engine-driven Cooling Fan
Your car may have an engine-driven air conditioning fan drive, which changes the fan speed to match conditions that create different cooling air flow requirements. Fan noise and fuel consumption both increase as you add more driving conditions, such as heavier loads on hilly terrain or when traveling long distances at higher speeds with intense heat.
The fan drive provides the minimum speed of the fan and results in minimal noise. You’ll hear a higher level of the fan when you start driving, but it will eventually decrease after just a few minutes have passed.
