Coolant flush

hunter scar · Mar 10, 2014

Hey everyone im fixing to flush my 2002 7.3L. What's the best coolant to put back in my motor? Also any tips on flushing the system. Also should I flush with distilled water or tap water and get a flush kit at the auto parts? Thanks for the help!

backwoodsboy · Mar 11, 2014

I like CAT ELC for coolant.
Flush with tap water first using a garden hose and a flush kit (basically just a 'T' with a regulator built in). Then do 2 distilled water flushes, making sure to drain the block after each. Add 4 gallons of coolant and however much distilled water you can get in (usually between 3.5 and 4 gallons).

hunter scar · Mar 11, 2014

Thanks for the help! Were can you get a flush kit and the CAT ELC coolant at?

neverkickn · Mar 11, 2014

A cat dealer or truck parts store should have or be able to get it. I would add a couple of quarts of the cat flush to your parts list As well as a new t-stat and housing.

GatorBaitR6 · Mar 11, 2014

I got my CAT coolant from a freightliner dealership/mechanic

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

backwoodsboy · Mar 11, 2014

You can get a flush kit for like $5 from Napa.
Part # 720-1286. Also get a couple feet of 5/8" heater hose.
Any OTR truck repair place should be able to get you CAT ELC.

hunter scar · Mar 11, 2014

Alright thanks for the help! Is their any certain way to bleed the air out of the cooling system after filling back up?

neverkickn · Mar 11, 2014

Run it. Top off with distiller water till it no longer needs it. May take a couple days.

hunter scar · Mar 11, 2014

neverkickn said:
Run it. Top off with distiller water till it no longer needs it. May take a couple days.

alright will do. I will probably go ahead and replace the thermostat. Should I get the one diesel site has. OR get one from ford?

backwoodsboy · Mar 11, 2014

hunter scar said:
Alright thanks for the help! Is their any certain way to bleed the air out of the cooling system after filling back up?

Run the betch hard. Leaving the fan off helps to warm things up in a hurry and keep the thermostat open.

hunter scar · Mar 11, 2014

Should I get a coolant filtration system from diesel site to while i am at it?

01PSD · Mar 11, 2014

hunter scar said:
Should I get a coolant filtration system from diesel site to while i am at it?

Wouldn't hurt

neverkickn · Mar 11, 2014

I don't think the benefit is worth the expense on a 7.3 unless you have a filled block.

backwoodsboy · Mar 11, 2014

neverkickn said:
I don't think the benefit is worth the expense on a 7.3 unless you have a filled block.

You'd be surprised how much sand is left in these blocks from casting.
I was going through water pumps every 40-50k prior to installing my coolant filter.

DEEZUZ · Mar 11, 2014

I clogged up two filters with mud after I installed a home made kit.

To properly flush the system, drain at the radiator first, than pull both block drains. They are 1/4 pipe plugs. Remove t stat and hollow it out, you'll to do this to make it reseal during the flush. Fill back up with distilled water. I bought 30 gallons of it. Run it a few minutes, drain, repeat several times. Replace the block drains with fresh Teflon tape, install newt stat and new billet housing and do the dual Alternator upper rad hose and maybe a new degas bottle.