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low coolant / add water?

Sir_Traveller
Explorer
Explorer
My coolant level is about 2 inches lower than the cold level, do I have to buy and add coolant even though I am not driving the RV right now ? ( its hooked up at an RV park ) Can I just add distilled water?

I will eventually add coolant before I drive it in the future of course but my question is regarding the current situation

I appreciate any ideas and suggestions …
34 REPLIES 34

JRscooby
Explorer II
Explorer II
The level of liquid in the tank has no bearing on freeze or not. The issue is if the level is low, the stuff went somewhere. If the level is to low in the expansion tank it can lead to low level in the pressurized, important part.

ArchHoagland
Explorer
Explorer
jdc1 wrote:
The dude lives in SoCal. Even if the tank was empty, it won't freeze at 60*.


Exactly!
2004 Monaco La Palma 36DBD
Workhorse W22 8.1 Gas Allison 1000, 7.1 mpg

2000 LEXUS RX300 FWD 22MPG 4020 LBS
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Lwiddis
Explorer II
Explorer II
"When you do top off any low cooling system though, always use undiluted antifreeze."

"Just make sure that you add the right coolant per your owner's manual."

x2 on both. And add it now. You'll forget by Spring.
Winnebago 2101DS TT & 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 LTZ Z71, WindyNation 300 watt solar-Lossigy 200 AH Lithium battery. Prefer boondocking, USFS, COE, BLM, NPS, TVA, state camps. Bicyclist. 14 yr. Army -11B40 then 11A - (MOS 1542 & 1560) IOBC & IOAC grad

valhalla360
Nomad III
Nomad III
If you aren't driving it and the existing coolant isn't aged out...leave it until before you drive it next. A non-operating engine doesn't need any coolant and if it's in good condition, it won't freeze.

The real question is are you just a little low or is there a problem that needs to be addressed. Generally, you shouldn't have to top up the coolant unless something is wrong. (obviously, use the correct type)
Tammy & Mike
Ford F250 V10
2021 Gray Wolf
Gemini Catamaran 34'
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jdc1
Explorer II
Explorer II
The dude lives in SoCal. Even if the tank was empty, it won't freeze at 60*.

BB_TX
Nomad
Nomad
Make sure you get the correct antifreeze for that engine. Ford has 5 different colored antifreezes it recommends depending on the year and engine. One antifreeze that fits all just doesn't work any more.

NRALIFR
Explorer
Explorer
I know what the normal coolant mix is when you’re replacing the coolant. When adding to a low system that doesn’t have obvious leaks, I would use undiluted antifreeze preferably, 50/50 mix if I had to, but never just plain water. Unless the cooling system was just filled with fresh coolant at the maximum dilution ratio, a shot of undiluted antifreeze will do the system some good.

But again, if he’s not driving it RIGHT NOW, there’s no need to add anything RIGHT NOW.

:):)
2001 Lance 1121 on a 2016 F450 ‘Scuse me while I whinge.
And for all you Scooby-Doo and Yosemite Sam types………..Let’s Go Brandon!!!

JRscooby
Explorer II
Explorer II
NRALIFR wrote:


When you do top off any low cooling system though, always use undiluted antifreeze. Unless you’re adding a significant amount to top it off of course, then you should probably try to find out why it was so low.

:):)


Once again, I'm hard of understanding.
In the shelf I see 2 strengths of most brands/types. The 1 is marked "ready to use". The other should be mixed 50/50 with distilled water. Looking at the price, I get paid pretty good to mix it myself. The concentrate will freeze at higher temp than the proper mix, plus it is a waste of money to use it straight.

rhagfo
Explorer III
Explorer III
NRALIFR wrote:
Sir Traveller wrote:
......... do I have to buy and add coolant even though I am not driving the RV right now ? ( its hooked up at an RV park ) Can I just add distilled water?

I will eventually add coolant before I drive it in the future of course but my question is regarding the current situation …


The OP’s question is: should I add something NOW or wait until just before I drive it.

I say if you’re not driving it, there’s no need to add anything NOW.

When you do top off any low cooling system though, always use undiluted antifreeze. Unless you’re adding a significant amount to top it off of course, then you should probably try to find out why it was so low.

:):)


Well while most run a 50/50 mix of water to straight coolant, MAXIMUM cooling and freeze protection comes at 60% coolant and 40% water, so add coolant.
Russ & Paula the Beagle Belle.
2016 Ram Laramie 3500 Aisin DRW 4X4 Long bed.
2005 Copper Canyon 293 FWSLS, 32' GVWR 12,360#

"Visit and Enjoy Oregon State Parks"

NRALIFR
Explorer
Explorer
Sir Traveller wrote:
......... do I have to buy and add coolant even though I am not driving the RV right now ? ( its hooked up at an RV park ) Can I just add distilled water?

I will eventually add coolant before I drive it in the future of course but my question is regarding the current situation …


The OP’s question is: should I add something NOW or wait until just before I drive it.

I say if you’re not driving it, there’s no need to add anything NOW.

When you do top off any low cooling system though, always use undiluted antifreeze. Unless you’re adding a significant amount to top it off of course, then you should probably try to find out why it was so low.

:):)
2001 Lance 1121 on a 2016 F450 ‘Scuse me while I whinge.
And for all you Scooby-Doo and Yosemite Sam types………..Let’s Go Brandon!!!

Dale_Traveling
Explorer II
Explorer II
Do you know what type of coolant is in the system? For model year 2003 F53 the coolant should have been changed about four times over the past 17 years.

Best not to mix coolant types if you can avoid doing. If you don't know then just use distilled water unless you are able to easily view the Northern Lights from the campsite the coach is parked at. If you can then try and determine what coolant was used and add with the same.
2006 Hurricane 31D built on a 2006 Ford F53

rgatijnet1
Explorer III
Explorer III
Just make sure that you add the right coolant per your owner's manual. Not all anti-freeze mixtures are compatible and adding the wrong type can cause issues. I believe that Ford uses the green antifreeze but I would still verify to make sure.

JRscooby
Explorer II
Explorer II
CC38EL wrote:
Gas or diesel? If gasser, I would wait and see how the level looked after it warms up.


I don't understand this. The level cold mark is the min level for cold engine. If you need to warm up to get to that level, you are low on coolant

You don't plan to drive it? Put tape on the tank, mark level and date. Then you can watch it.
Of course, the first step, with cold engine pull the cap from the pressurized part of system, be certain it is full. If not, get coolant, and refill. FIND THAT LEAK!
I can't stand under not having coolant on hand. I always buy the concentrate. If I don't have a MT jug, and don't know how low it is I use a small container to measure. 1 'cup' concentrate in system, then same of water 'til full. If it gets full the mix will be a little strong, not weak

wa8yxm
Explorer III
Explorer III
IB853347201 wrote:
Definitely add coolant. Do not add water.


I will support that if you live in the great white north.
But... Coolant level varies with heat and cold. It is very cold now. And though I know cold ENGINE lowers it. (From operating temps to ambient) I do not know how 70F to 0F affects it.. So long as there is coolant in the overflow tank I'd not add till A: Spring or B: next trip.. buy it. Leave a gallon on the driver's seat or nearby to reminmd you but don't add till VAROOM.
Home was where I park it. but alas the.
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garyemunson
Explorer II
Explorer II
Always use coolant. Distilled water will dilute what is there, raising the freezing temp. Adding a little coolant will not cause any problem of increasing the coolant concentration. You don't ever want to run pure coolant but just topping off is far from that.