Radiator Additive

[Bolthead]

I'm told by the dealership that an additive made by Ford should be added twice a year to the radiator, would anyone happen to know if this is true? (97 F250 127, 000)

Thanks

 

[happeetxn]

There is truth to what you were told. The name escapes me, but it is coolant additive that protects the engine from getting holes in the cylinder walls due to the vibration of the engine. This is probably a very crude description of what it does and I have no doubt that someone with more detailed knowledge will be by shortly to explain it better.
Craig

 

[Bolthead]

Thanks happeetxn!!! I was begining to think I was the only one buying this solution, as others I've talked with don't use any additives, nor have they heard this before.

 

[roosterdiesel]

"Green" coolant is a low-silicate ethylene glycol based coolant that requires a cavitation inhibitor. Ford calls it FW-16, International calls it DCA 4. Both are SCAs that bond to the cast iron in the water jackets to "insulate" the cylinder wall iron to prevent cavitation. ALL diesels require an SCA to prevent cavitation. Your manual has the service intervals in the maintenance section.

A little reading about cavitation and prevention.


Mods may wanna move this out of the site comments and suggestions section.

 

[BamaSixGun]

"Green" coolant is a low-silicate ethylene glycol based coolant that requires a cavitation inhibitor. Ford calls it FW-16, International calls it DCA 4. Both are SCAs that bond to the cast iron in the water jackets to "insulate" the cylinder wall iron to prevent cavitation. ALL diesels require an SCA to prevent cavitation. Your manual has the service intervals in the maintenance section.

A little reading about cavitation and prevention.


Mods may wanna move this out of the site comments and suggestions section.

we have had the cavitation occur in our CAT engines before. something about electrolisis occuring is what the CAT people told us.