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Hap_Hazard's avatar
Hap_Hazard
Explorer
Apr 24, 2018

Correct Coolant for 2012 Ford 6.7L Diesel

Ok, so I know this question isn’t actually a T/H question but it isn’t a motorhome question either.

I need to know of an exact equivalent to the Motorcraft VC-3-DILB engine coolant. This is for a 2012 Ford 6.7L engine. It seems that few (if any manufactures) list specs on the back of their containers anymore. Most just show For: GMC, Chrysler, Toyota, or Honda etc. None show them for Ford or their coolant specs.

To further the problem it appears Ford changes their specs every couple of years and that appears to be based on the never ending engine and engine supplier changes.

I also want to be able to purchase coolant (if needed) after hours and every day of the week and not have to wait for Ford Parts departments to open.

Thank you for your help and insights. Hap
Tow Vehicles

18 Replies

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  • ChuckSteed's avatar
    ChuckSteed
    Explorer
    Apr 25, 2018
    Yup you don’t wanna mix Dexcool and Prestone. Big mistake and the stuff will cause issues.
  • Lynnmor's avatar
    Lynnmor
    Explorer
    Apr 25, 2018
    ACZL wrote:
    I asked our semi shop super a similar question on anti-freeze cuz my truck says it requires "X" type and all we have is "Y" type. He said he wasn't going to stock 2 different kinds of anti-freeze, so if I need any, I'm to use "Y" type. His theory is antifreeze is anti freeze regardless of color. If on the road and you need some, you use whatever you can get. Not that this helps OP any.


    You talked to an idiot! Never mix coolant types.

    The 6.7 requires orange coolant, Ford and DexCool are the same. Look in your owners manual for the proper specifications,.
  • ACZL's avatar
    ACZL
    Explorer
    Apr 25, 2018
    I asked our semi shop super a similar question on anti-freeze cuz my truck says it requires "X" type and all we have is "Y" type. He said he wasn't going to stock 2 different kinds of anti-freeze, so if I need any, I'm to use "Y" type. His theory is antifreeze is anti freeze regardless of color. If on the road and you need some, you use whatever you can get. Not that this helps OP any.
  • blofgren's avatar
    blofgren
    Explorer
    Apr 25, 2018
    FishOnOne wrote:
    You can use the Prestone Dexcool.

    I changed my radiator fluid a couple of months ago by flushing/draining with distill water 3 times which produced clear water draining out of the radiator. I choose to use the Motorcraft Orange coolant.

    Primary Radiator: 15 quarts of coolant and top off with distilled water will give you ~ 50/50 mix.

    Secondary Radiator: 6 quarts of coolant and top off with distilled water will give you ~50/50 mix.

    The Power Strokes really haven't had excessive type of radiator fluids but changes were to take advantage of new technology.

    7.3 PSD: Green with an additional additive
    6.0/6.4PSD: Gold
    6.7PSD: Orange


    Some of the last 7.3L were gold as well. I'm not sure if they still required the FW15 additive or not.

    OP, I would stick with the Motorcraft coolant if I were in your shoes. You have too expensive of an engine there to go with something that "may" be OK.
  • SidecarFlip's avatar
    SidecarFlip
    Explorer III
    Apr 25, 2018
    FishOnOne wrote:
    You can use the Prestone Dexcool.

    I changed my radiator fluid a couple of months ago by flushing/draining with distill water 3 times which produced clear water draining out of the radiator. I choose to use the Motorcraft Orange coolant.

    Primary Radiator: 15 quarts of coolant and top off with distilled water will give you ~ 50/50 mix.

    Secondary Radiator: 6 quarts of coolant and top off with distilled water will give you ~50/50 mix.

    The Power Strokes really haven't had excessive type of radiator fluids but changes were to take advantage of new technology.

    7.3 PSD: Green with an additional additive
    6.0/6.4PSD: Gold
    6.7PSD: Orange


    'Additional additive' for a 7.3 is DCA 4.

    I actually changed my 7.3 over to extended life (orange). No DCA now.
  • FishOnOne's avatar
    FishOnOne
    Nomad
    Apr 25, 2018
    You can use the Prestone Dexcool.

    I changed my radiator fluid a couple of months ago by flushing/draining with distill water 3 times which produced clear water draining out of the radiator. I choose to use the Motorcraft Orange coolant.

    Primary Radiator: 15 quarts of coolant and top off with distilled water will give you ~ 50/50 mix.

    Secondary Radiator: 6 quarts of coolant and top off with distilled water will give you ~50/50 mix.

    The Power Strokes really haven't had excessive type of radiator fluids but changes were to take advantage of new technology.

    7.3 PSD: Green with an additional additive
    6.0/6.4PSD: Gold
    6.7PSD: Orange
  • Y-Guy's avatar
    Y-Guy
    Moderator
    Apr 24, 2018
    Hap I'm going to move this to the Tow Vehicles forum, hopefully you get a quick reply.
  • BB_TX's avatar
    BB_TX
    Nomad
    Apr 24, 2018
    This should be in the Tow Vehicles forum.

    I could not find antifreeze at any auto parts store that exactly matched what is specified in my 2012 6.7 manual. Parts store employee said one of his brands SHOULD be fine. I was not willing to go with that. Ford dealer only place I could find.

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