Corrosion inhibitor additive

fergy12 · March 20, 2010

Have any of you heard about a corrosion inhibitor additive used for the 6.0L, 6.4L cooling system to prevent front cover cavitation? My neighboring tech came back from 6.7L training and there they learned of a VC-12 for that purpose but our parts department has been unable to find it as of yet.

Bruce Amacker · March 20, 2010

You do know of TSB 09-8-5 telling us to check and correct the coolant PH with VC-8, right?

2201 - 6.0L & 6.4L DIESEL ENGINES CHECK NITRITE LEVELS USING ROTUNDA 3-WAY ANTIFREEZE TEST STRIP KIT #328-00001

RECENT DEALER COMMUNICATION "6.0L AND 6.4L DIESEL ENGINE MAINTENANCE" PUBLISHED 3/30/09 EXPLAINS THE IMPORTANCE OF REGULAR NITRITE LEVEL CHECKS OF THE ENGINE COOLANT AS PART OF SCHEDULED DIESEL ENGINE MAINTENANCE. THIS STEP IS ESPECIALLY CRITICAL FOR VEHICLES UTILIZED UNDER SEVERE SERVICE SPECIAL OPERATING CONDITIONS (TOWING, LONG IDLE/COMMERCIAL DELIVERY, OFF ROAD/DUSTY, BIODIESEL) IN ORDER TO AVOID ENGINE FAILURES. USE THE ROTUNDA 3-WAY ANTIFREEZE TEST STRIP KIT (#328-00001) TO CHECK NITRITE LEVELS OF THE ENGINE COOLANT. THIS NEW PRODUCT OFFERED BY ROTUNDA INCLUDES 1 BOTTLE (50 TEST STRIPS) OF 3-WAY HD ANTIFREEZE COOLANT DIAGNOSTIC TESTS AND A SAMPLING KIT WITH VIAL AND SYRINGE. KIT COST IS $28.99 AND CAN BE PURCHASED ONLINE AT www.FORDROTUNDA.COM (SEARCH PRODUCT NUMBER 328-00001) OR BY PHONE AT 1-800-ROTUNDA (768-8632), OPTION 2.

2227 - ANNOUNCING MAINTENANCE REMINDER 09L04 ANNOUNCING MAINTENANCE REMINDER 09L04 - CERTAIN 2003 THROUGH 2008 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 6.0L OR 6.4L DIESEL ENGINE - CUSTOMER MAINTENANCE REMINDER. THIS HAS BEEN POSTED TO FMCDEALER.COM.

TSB 09-8-5 - DIESEL COOLANT MAINTENANCE - SERVICE TIPS

SPECIAL FIELD ACTION 09L04 - Certain 2003 through 2008 Model Year Vehicles Equipped with a 6.0L or 6.4L Diesel Engine - Customer Maintenance Reminder

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Keith Browning · March 20, 2010

The coolant concentration should be maintained at 50/50 mix of Motorcraft® Specialty Orange Engine Coolant VC-3-B (U.S.) / CVC-3-B (Can.) or specification number WSS-M97B44-D and distilled water. The level of coolant should be maintained at the "COLD FILL" range in the coolant reservoir. If you suspect any coolant system leaks or lack of cooling, pressure test the cooling system. Refer to your Owner Guide for additional information.

Engine coolant system strength (carboxylates) should be checked and serviced at the mileage or equivalent hour intervals specified by the vehicle's message center and maintenance schedule. Check coolant strength using the Rotunda Antifreeze Test Strip kit to determine if additive is required (Rotunda Antifreeze Coolant ELC Contamination Kit# 328-00008). If the carboxylate strength is too low add one bottle of Motorcraft® Specialty Orange Engine Coolant Revitalizer , VC-12 or equivalent. The coolant can be recharged with this additive up to two times before the cooling system must be flushed and refilled – Do not add Supplemental Coolant Additive if flush & refill is required.

fergy12 · March 20, 2010

Ya i know about the TSB. So the VC-12 is for the 6.7L and used in the Orange coolant. My fellow tech made it sound like we should be using VC-12 in everything. Thanks guys, all straightened out now.

Keith Browning · March 20, 2010

Well, I am still trying to find written proof that the VC-12 is only compatible with OAT coolants (Motorcraft® Specialty Orange Engine Coolant) I know that mixing OAT coolants with regular coolant will severely reduce the effectiveness and longevity of the additives therefore I can only conclude for now that the VC-12 cannot be used with the Gold coolant. If you research the coolants you will find there are big differences in the base composition as well as the type of additives they contain.

Word to the wise, always use the type of coolant specified for a vehicle/engine and NEVER mix coolant types. That should include testing methods and additives.

I went searching for more information on the testing kits and VC-12 additive for the new orange coolant and so far I have come up empty but I am sure it will surface. I have to look a little closer. Accustrip has a contamination test kit for RED coolant which I am not sure is "the same" as the orange coolant. Rotunda lists the test kit, but no picture or detailed information - it was late and my eyelids were heavy when I was looking... maybe someone else can dig this up. Posted Image

Oh, I was talking about the 6.4L cavitation issue with my FSE and he stated that Ford is looking at this and deciding what to do to reduce the occurrence or effects of cavitation. Changing the size of the pulley is not out of the question. I also wonder if the hyper extended thermostats are causing a flow restriction since that bypass part of the thermostat is supposed to allow coolant to return to the pump.