How much coolant additive on Ford F250?

The practical answer is that you typically do not add any coolant additive to a Ford F-250. Use Ford-approved coolant in a 50/50 premix (or concentrate diluted to 50/50 with distilled water) and follow the owner's manual for levels and service intervals.

Ford's guidance for the F-250 cooling system

Ford designs the F-250 cooling system to run with OEM coolant only. The recommended practice is to use Motorcraft Extended Life Coolant (ELC) or an equivalent OEM-approved coolant, mixed to a 50/50 premix with distilled water if you start from concentrate. There is no required additive dosage for normal operation, and adding aftermarket coolant additives is generally discouraged unless specifically directed by Ford. Always verify year- and engine-specific guidance in your manual or with a dealer.

To help readers understand how to handle coolant, follow these guidance points before reviewing practical steps.

Key guidelines to follow when dealing with coolant in the F-250 include the following:

• Use the correct coolant: Ford-approved Motorcraft Extended Life Coolant (or an equivalent OEM-approved coolant). If you have concentrate, mix it to a 50/50 premix with distilled water according to the bottle instructions.


• Avoid additives: Do not add coolant additives, sealants, or cleaners unless Ford explicitly indicates it for your model and year, as they can disrupt the coolant chemistry and sensor readings.


• Fill to the proper level: When the engine is cold, fill the expansion reservoir to the indicated MIN/MAX level with the premixed coolant. Do not overfill.


• Do not mix coolant types: Mixing different brands or types can cause corrosion or compatibility problems; if unsure of what is in the system, consider flushing and refilling with OEM coolant.


• Safety and disposal: Handle coolant carefully, wear protection, and dispose of old coolant at an appropriate facility.

In summary, the F-250 relies on a properly mixed OEM coolant with no additional additives required for normal operation. Following the official specification helps protect the cooling system and warranty.

Practical steps for topping off or changing coolant

When you’re topping off or performing a coolant change, follow these practical steps to ensure proper procedure and safety:

• Confirm the correct coolant specification for your year and engine, then prepare a 50/50 premix of coolant and distilled water if you’re using concentrate.


• Make sure the engine is completely cool before opening the radiator cap or expansion tank cap to avoid burns from pressurized hot coolant.


• Use only the premixed coolant to top off; fill to the MAX line on the reservoir, not beyond it.


• Avoid adding any aftermarket coolant additives unless a Ford technician provides a specific instruction for your case.


• After topping off, run the engine to operating temperature with the radiator cap off briefly to bleed air (if your manual allows this step), then recheck levels once the system cools.

If you suspect a leak, overheating, or persistent low coolant level, consult a Ford dealer or qualified technician rather than attempting extensive additive fixes on your own.

Summary: For a Ford F-250, there is no recommended coolant additive in normal operation. Use OEM Motorcraft Extended Life Coolant in a 50/50 premix with distilled water, and fill to the proper level according to the owner's manual. Additives are not required and can cause issues unless explicitly advised by Ford. Always refer to your specific model year and engine variant for exact coolant type, mixture, and capacity.

Why does my F250 say check coolant additive?

The "check coolant additive" message on an F-250 indicates that the coolant additives needed to protect the engine from corrosion and cavitation have depleted, and their levels need to be tested. This message can be a scheduled maintenance reminder or signal a problem, so it's best to test the coolant with test strips and top it off with the correct, manufacturer-recommended additive mixture if needed. Driving with depleted additives can lead to engine overheating and long-term damage.
 
This video shows how to check the coolant level in an F-250 and identifies the coolant reservoir: 30sHelp Me DIYYouTube · Sep 6, 2022
What it means

• Depleted additives: Over time, the sacrificial additives in the coolant lose their effectiveness and can no longer protect the cooling system. 
• Scheduled maintenance: For many diesel models, this is a scheduled reminder to check the coolant every 600 engine hours, not an emergency. 
• Sensor fault: The message can also be triggered by a faulty sensor or a disconnected wire, especially in newer models. 
• Potential damage: Driving with depleted additives can lead to internal corrosion, engine overheating, especially under heavy loads, and costly repairs. 

How to address the warning

1. Inspect the system: Check the coolant reservoir for the proper fluid level. Do not open the reservoir when the engine is hot. 
2. Test the coolant: Use test strips to check the concentration and condition of the coolant additives. The process is similar to testing a swimming pool. 
3. Top off if needed: If the test indicates low levels or degraded additives, add the correct type and amount of coolant additive. Do not just add regular antifreeze, as the wrong type can cause problems. 
4. Clean the sensor: Inspect the sensor for any loose wiring or corrosion. Cleaning the sensor may resolve the issue. 
5. Perform a flush: If the additives are severely degraded, a full coolant system flush is recommended. Use the manufacturer's recommended flushing procedure and coolant type. 
6. Reset the message: After addressing the problem, you may need to reset the warning message. Check your owner's manual for specific instructions on how to do this, as it may involve using your instrument cluster or an OBD-II scanner. 

This video demonstrates how to check the coolant additive level using test strips: 1m1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics KnowYouTube · Apr 8, 2019

Does coolant additive really work?

Most modern vehicles don't need engine coolant additives as factory coolants already contain necessary inhibitors. Although additives can reduce engine temperatures by up to 25°F and extend system life in high-performance situations, they risk causing chemical reactions, sludge, or sensor damage when improperly used.

How much coolant additive for 6.7 powerstroke?

For a 6.7L Powerstroke, the amount of coolant additive depends on the system. The primary cooling system requires 48 fl oz (1.41 L) of additive, while the secondary cooling system needs 16.0 fl oz (473 ml). It's crucial to use the correct type of additive specified by Ford, such as Motorcraft Specialty Orange Engine Coolant Revitalizer, and to check the levels with test strips, as modern Motorcraft coolant often has the necessary inhibitors already included. 
Primary cooling system

• Amount: 48 fl oz (1.41 L) 

Secondary cooling system

• Amount: 16.0 fl oz (473 ml) 

Important considerations

• Use the correct additive: Ensure you are using a coolant additive that meets Ford's specifications, such as Motorcraft Specialty Orange Engine Coolant Revitalizer (VC-12). 
• Modern coolant: Factory-fill coolants like the Motorcraft Orange coolant already contain the necessary corrosion inhibitors, so extra additive might not be needed at each service. 
• Check levels: Regularly check the coolant additive levels using test strips, especially if you are unsure or have a different coolant type. 
• Do not over-add: Adding too much additive can cause issues like particle buildup and damage to the water pump. 
• Follow maintenance schedule: Adhere to the recommended service intervals for coolant checks and changes to maintain system health. 

How much coolant do I need for my 2019 Ford F250 Super Duty?

Coolant: 29.4-30.3 quarts for the 2011-2016 models and 31.7 -35.1 quarts for 2017-2020.