Ford 6.4 diesel question

Update:
last night i found a Wix coolant filter adapter and the Wix coolant filter on Amazon, new and with our Amazon Prime we get free shipping. Paid $51.15 for both items. I will have about $10.00 in heater hose, another $15 to $20 in fittings and stop valves plus a couple gallons of coolant for loss. Looks like less than $100.00 for the coolant filter parts. My Cummins mechanic buddy is lending me his coolant lift pump so I get all voids filled with coolant.

I will have a busy weekend installing all of these items but the filter system will give me additional peace of mind

Dennis

NRALIFR wrote:
The '08's do seem to have the most cooling system problems, I noticed that myself when I was looking for an '08-'10 F450. Several updates to the upper and lower rad hoses, the radiator itself, the T-stats and plumbing changes between the '08's and 2010's.

If you choose to do the replacement yourself, be aware that it's nearly impossible to get all the air out of the system without using a coolant lift. The Ford Shop Manual specifies using one on the 6.4, and you should definitely invest in one and use it. There are cheaper ones out there, but this is the one I have.

:):)

NRALifr, have a friend that is a Cummins mechanic. He more than likely has a coolant lift. I will try to borrow his when I start my install. Maybe I can con him into just doing the work for me also. LOL. It would probably be cheaper for me to take it to a dealer and save some beer money.

Golden_HVAC wrote:
Dennis,

Have you installed a water coolant filter on your truck yet? It really helps the longevity of the 6L and 6.4L Diesels. It will help any vehicle, and I put one on my motorhome when it was new in 97, even though it has a 460" gas engine.

Napa part # FIL 4070 is the filter, and FIL 4019 is the filter holder that connects into the heater hose lines. Some have added a 3/8" close coupled ball valve, so they do not lose any coolant while changing the filters. I put mine just behind the bumper, where I can put a 5 gallon bucket to catch any excess water leak while changing the filter.

By keeping the filter clean, then the minerals are not being pumped around the system, sticking to the radiator or oil cooler, and will lead to a much longer water pump life, no need to clean out the radiator, or change the coolant every few years.

In the 6L and 6.4L diesels, clogged oil coolers can lead to water getting into the engine, causing a $15,000 engine replacement. You don't want that. The water filter prevents the clogs, and solves the problem.

Fred.

Fred, great advise. I'm researching filter systems now. Thank you.

Dennis

Yesterday I was able to buy the upper radiator hose (off water pump) at O'Reilly's. I was surprised they had it. It is a Gates item with the new white upper end and double O ring design. $54.00. I will begin the installation task later this week maybe next weekend when weather goes 70+ again.

I will be reviewing coolant filter systems this week as well. I have never owned a Ford (IH) diesel. I have been a Dmax owner since 1999. Never had issues like this so I really appreciate the help I have received from this forum. Thank you!

Dennis

We have a 2008 6.4 diesel. I want to thank you for your informative posts. DH won't be happy about these issues but at least we are warned and informed. We just spent $235 on a leaking differential gasket and replacing the lower fuel filter (DH replaced the upper one but his back was hurting so we paid the $100 extra to have our excellent mechanic do the task.). Next big expense is new tires and front brakes (rear replaced last fall). I am thinking we need less expensive hobbies (photography and camping).

Golden_HVAC wrote:
Dennis,

Have you installed a water coolant filter on your truck yet? It really helps the longevity of the 6L and 6.4L Diesels. It will help any vehicle, and I put one on my motorhome when it was new in 97, even though it has a 460" gas engine.

Napa part # FIL 4070 is the filter, and FIL 4019 is the filter holder that connects into the heater hose lines. Some have added a 3/8" close coupled ball valve, so they do not lose any coolant while changing the filters. I put mine just behind the bumper, where I can put a 5 gallon bucket to catch any excess water leak while changing the filter.

By keeping the filter clean, then the minerals are not being pumped around the system, sticking to the radiator or oil cooler, and will lead to a much longer water pump life, no need to clean out the radiator, or change the coolant every few years.

In the 6L and 6.4L diesels, clogged oil coolers can lead to water getting into the engine, causing a $15,000 engine replacement. You don't want that. The water filter prevents the clogs, and solves the problem.

Fred.

What Fred said, though $15K is the WORST case. Casting sand from the manufacturing process can clog the oil cooler, starving the EGR cooler of water, which causes the EGR cooler to rupture and introduce water into the intake manifold. A coolant filter is cheap insurance, costing less than $150 for a good kit from a firm like DieselSite or BulletProof diesel. The 6.4 engine is an upgraded 6.0 engine with different injector and turbocharger setups. For either of those engines, changing filters and fluids religiously, as well as putting the engine to work is the key to long engine life.

The '08's do seem to have the most cooling system problems, I noticed that myself when I was looking for an '08-'10 F450. Several updates to the upper and lower rad hoses, the radiator itself, the T-stats and plumbing changes between the '08's and 2010's.

If you choose to do the replacement yourself, be aware that it's nearly impossible to get all the air out of the system without using a coolant lift. The Ford Shop Manual specifies using one on the 6.4, and you should definitely invest in one and use it. There are cheaper ones out there, but this is the one I have.

:):)

You will soon find out (so you might as well google "2008 radiator") that the 08 coolant system design is a complete failure. My lower hose has been replace 3 times each being an update to previous model in 100000 miles for leaks. Then the radiator started leaking dealer wanted $2800 to replace which also includes new updated hoses and coolant expansion/recovery tank with a new cap that lowers pressure to help stop the leaking.

Dennis,

Have you installed a water coolant filter on your truck yet? It really helps the longevity of the 6L and 6.4L Diesels. It will help any vehicle, and I put one on my motorhome when it was new in 97, even though it has a 460" gas engine.

Napa part # FIL 4070 is the filter, and FIL 4019 is the filter holder that connects into the heater hose lines. Some have added a 3/8" close coupled ball valve, so they do not lose any coolant while changing the filters. I put mine just behind the bumper, where I can put a 5 gallon bucket to catch any excess water leak while changing the filter.

By keeping the filter clean, then the minerals are not being pumped around the system, sticking to the radiator or oil cooler, and will lead to a much longer water pump life, no need to clean out the radiator, or change the coolant every few years.

In the 6L and 6.4L diesels, clogged oil coolers can lead to water getting into the engine, causing a $15,000 engine replacement. You don't want that. The water filter prevents the clogs, and solves the problem.

Fred.

Appreciate the links. Reading now and looks like my assumption is right on target. Bad "O" ring on that lower hose at the block. Looks like a beatch to get to also. Thanks guys!

Dennis