Have a 2011 F-350 with the 6.2l gas. Was checking the engine the other day and noticed the radiator coolant resevoir was completely empty.

Stopped by the closest store that carried antifreeze (True Value) and picked up some Dex Cool 50/50 coolant and dumped it in.

Read up on it afterwards and, from what I saw, it seemed that using the Dex Cool was a mistate (Ford manual calls for a specific orange colored one).

Took it to a Valvoline place today to have the Dex sucked out and the correct coolant put in. They didn't the specs for the 2011's have it in their system yet, but evidently did some calling around to their higher ups. The end result is that they said that the Dex Cool is the equivalent of what Ford specs call for and that it was okay to leave it in.

Just wanted to pass that along, and also wanted to find out if anyone has any other insight into this.

Can plain old yellow Prestone anti-freeze be mixed with Dex Cool if necessary (the Prestone just says that it can be mixed with any color of antifreeze)?

Aargh...why can't something like buying coolant be a simple anymore........

 

Moved to the 6.2L V8 forum.

 

2011? I'd be stopping at a Ford garage for warranty?

 

If it had caused a problem, it wouldn't be covered under the warranty since I'm the one that put it in. Plus, I'd have to make an appt, which would take a week. The Valvoline place is just down the road.

 

I agree with you seville "Aargh...why can't something like buying coolant be a simple anymore........" I would bet that Ford is not manufacturing their coolant or oil, transmission fluid or any of there proprietary advertised additives. I would like to know who makes it for them and the thought that a warranty might be in jeopardy should an excuse come up for Ford to deny a claim is the reason why people hire an attorney to fight this overbearing attitude by Ford to only use their products.