cooling system maintenance

[clintusaf]

So after finding a small leak, i will be doing some things to my coolant system and am in need of some advice on a few things.

I will be following the procedure i found here.
http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/96...ml#post8935201

after reading through the thread above, it seems like the guy has done his homework, so i figured i would go with it.

My plan is this with questions attached:

1. Drain and flush coolant using procedure above
2. Install new 195 degree thermostat
3. Install new Deguass tank
Wheres the cheapest place to buy one?
4. Install coolant filtration kit
Which kit should i go with?
5. Possibly a stock water pump?
Do i need to replace my stock one if i havent had any problems with it? if so, where's the cheapest place to buy this?
6. Replace coolant with ELC

What else should i consider while doing my coolant system maintenance if i missed anything?

 

[JRJ04]

My plan is this with questions attached:

1. Drain and flush coolant using procedure above
Yes
2. Install new 195 degree thermostat
I would recomment a 203* thermostat from dieselsite
3. Install new Deguass tank
Wheres the cheapest place to buy one?
Is your existing one cracked or damaged? If not, clean it out and reuse it
4. Install coolant filtration kit
Which kit should i go with?
Dieselsite coolant filter kit.
5. Possibly a stock water pump?
Do i need to replace my stock one if i havent had any problems with it? if so, where's the cheapest place to buy this?
If it isnt giving you and problems...I'd leave it alone.
6. Replace coolant with ELC
You'll get a million different opinions on this.

What else should i consider while doing my coolant system maintenance if i missed anything?

..

 

[BIG JOE]

What Jourdan said.. on all 6 responces.

Joe

 

[clintusaf]

I've heard conlficting opinions on the 203 thermostat. thats why i figured i would just stay with stock.

Yes, my current coolant tank has a small crack at the bottom. so i'll be getting a new one.

Dieselsite coolant filter looks like the best chioce right now.

Whats your opinion on the ELC Jourdan?

 

[clintusaf]

should i install a coolant temp sensor?

 

[BIG JOE]

should i install a coolant temp sensor?

FWIW ? I would.

If you install a (Dieselsite) Coolant Filter, you can use the unused port on the filter head, for the sensor.

It's a big plus to be able to see Real temps as engine loads change. Many times, while towing.. or even just cruise'n, I can see the temps change.. as the thermo opens & closes.. The OEM idiot gauge never moves. I hardly pay attention to the dash gauge anymore.

Joe

 

[clintusaf]

FWIW ? I would.

If you install a (Dieselsite) Coolant Filter, you can use the unused port on the filter head, for the sensor.

It's a big plus to be able to see Real temps as engine loads change. Many times, while towing.. or even just cruise'n, I can see the temps change.. as the thermo opens & closes.. The OEM idiot gauge never moves. I hardly pay attention to the dash gauge anymore.

Joe

I thought i remeber you saying something about the factory gauge being crap big joe. just like the stock tranny temp gauge huh?

Where did you get yours big joe and where did you mount it?

 

[BIG JOE]

I thought i remeber you saying something about the factory gauge being crap big joe. just like the stock tranny temp gauge huh?

JMO, but Yes.. after seeing the temp changes*.. I don't trust'm.

Where did you get yours big joe and where did you mount it?

Mine is mounted on a 4 gauge "A" pillar set up.. but there's many places to install one. Maybe some of the other members will chime in.. on locations ? ISSpro should have one ?

Joe

*My Real temp gauge is switched, to also show.. Tranny temps (6 speed).

 

[JRJ04]

I've heard conlficting opinions on the 203 thermostat. thats why i figured i would just stay with stock.

Yes, my current coolant tank has a small crack at the bottom. so i'll be getting a new one.

Dieselsite coolant filter looks like the best chioce right now.

Whats your opinion on the ELC Jourdan?

Do tell on the conflicting opinions on the 203 t-stat. I've heard nothing but positive things...I'd be interested to hear the other side of the story.

On the ELC coolant...for one thing...its pricey. If you're on a budget, I dont think its one of the best places that you're gonna the most bang for your buck. It makes some claim that its good for approx 300k miles...I (and this is just my personal opinion) cannot justify leaving something in my motor for that long. I'd rather change it out every few years, and know that I'm flushing out whatever kind of stuff might be trapped in my system. I just went with the prestone and added distilled water myself.

Other people speak very highly of the Motorcraft Gold Coolant as well...I think Joe runs it.

Bottom line...it all comes down to (just like anything else) where you wanna put your money.

 

[BIG JOE]

Do tell on the conflicting opinions on the 203 t-stat. I've heard nothing but positive things...I'd be interested to hear the other side of the story.

On the ELC coolant...for one thing...its pricey. If you're on a budget, I dont think its one of the best places that you're gonna the most bang for your buck. It makes some claim that its good for approx 300k miles...I (and this is just my personal opinion) cannot justify leaving something in my motor for that long. I'd rather change it out every few years, and know that I'm flushing out whatever kind of stuff might be trapped in my system. I just went with the prestone and added distilled water myself.

Other people speak very highly of the Motorcraft Gold Coolant as well...I think Joe runs it.

Bottom line...it all comes down to (just like anything else) where you wanna put your money.

I go with Jourdan on this too.

Motorcraft Gold for me.. Change from the Green to the Gold @ 3?K, 203* thermo, installed the coolant filter at bout the same K..changed it (coolant) twice since. Changed the filter 3 times initaily, twice since.

160K.. still truck'n.. NO heat related issues.