Low Coolant Level!

[NavRanger21]

Hey all,

My truck is 2021 with 71k. I've noticed when washing the truck, the coolant level is about 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch below the MIN level. I've read a bunch of threads about the cause "can" be EGR Cooler/sensor or head gasket. I don't have any issues with the truck and I am the original owner. I don't drive it as often anymore, may be 3 times a month.

Just wondering if I should fill it to level or take it to the dealer? No visible leaks on the floor either. Any ideas? Thanks.

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[ctechbob]

Have you never added water in your years of ownership? It isn't uncommon for some to disappear over the years. It doesn't necessarily mean there's a problem, just that some of the water has evaporated over the years/miles.

Top it up to the maximum line with distilled water and monitor.

 

[NavRanger21]

Have you never added water in your years of ownership? It isn't uncommon for some to disappear over the years. It doesn't necessarily mean there's a problem, just that some of the water has evaporated over the years/miles.

Top it up to the maximum line with distilled water and monitor.

Bought in April 2021 and nothing has been added to the reservoir. Coolant looks to be yellowish/greenish color in the reservoir.

 

[ctechbob]

Bought in April 2021 and nothing has been added to the reservoir. Coolant looks to be yellowish/greenish color in the reservoir.

No need to worry yet. You haven't lost any more than what I would consider normal. It is true it is a sealed system, but water can still get out.

If you do decide to top up with coolant, either the real Motorcraft stuff (YELLOW) or the Zerex Heavy Duty Nitrate Free is the choice.

https://shop.valvolineglobal.com/pr...-yellow-50-50-prediluted-antifreeze?Size=1+GA

Or just add a bit of distilled water. Won't hurt a thing.

--Edited to Fix the MC Coolant type.

 

[NavRanger21]

No need to worry yet. You haven't lost any more than what I would consider normal. It is true it is a sealed system, but water can still get out.

If you do decide to top up with coolant, either the real Motorcraft stuff (Gold) or the Zerex Heavy Duty Nitrate Free is the choice.

https://shop.valvolineglobal.com/pr...-yellow-50-50-prediluted-antifreeze?Size=1+GA

Or just add a bit of distilled water. Won't hurt a thing.

Thanks. I’ll be topping off and monitoring.

 

[RangerBill]

No need to worry yet. You haven't lost any more than what I would consider normal. It is true it is a sealed system, but water can still get out.

If you do decide to top up with coolant, either the real Motorcraft stuff (Gold) or the Zerex Heavy Duty Nitrate Free is the choice.

https://shop.valvolineglobal.com/pr...-yellow-50-50-prediluted-antifreeze?Size=1+GA

Or just add a bit of distilled water. Won't hurt a thing.

You don't want to add Motorcraft Gold coolant. It should be the yellow coolant for his Ranger. Motorcraft Gold and Motorcraft Yellow are not the same thing, and I don't think that they are compatible.

 

[ctechbob]

You don't want to add Motorcraft Gold coolant. It should be the yellow coolant for his Ranger. Motorcraft Gold and Motorcraft Yellow are not the same thing, and I don't think that they are compatible.

Oops, you're right, good catch. Yellow not gold. Brain fart on my part.

The Zerex stuff is the right stuff though.

 

[NavRanger21]

Is this the correct coolant?

 

[ctechbob]

Is this the correct coolant?

Yes

 

[Chris M]

Hmmmm....I believe my coolant level is the same as his, now that I think on it.
Where's the best place to find the Motorcraft coolant other than the dealer?

 

[21rangerCactus]

I bought mine brand new in 2021. I noticed within the first year of ownership that my coolant gets to where yours is in the Pic. I did a coolant system pressure check and did not find any leaks.

I now have 106k on my truck and have had no issues. Fuel mileage is fine, power is fine, no smoke out the tail pipe, and spark plugs look great.

I've also had multiple oil analysises done and none of them shown that I had coolant in the oil.

 

[NavRanger21]

I bought mine brand new in 2021. I noticed within the first year of ownership that my coolant gets to where yours is in the Pic. I did a coolant system pressure check and did not find any leaks.

I now have 106k on my truck and have had no issues. Fuel mileage is fine, power is fine, no smoke out the tail pipe, and spark plugs look great.

I've also had multiple oil analysises done and none of them shown that I had coolant in the oil.

That is good to hear. I’ll probably do an oil analysis just to be on the safe side. Haven’t done spark plugs either, so will be doing that soon.

 

[NavRanger21]

Hmmmm....I believe my coolant level is the same as his, now that I think on it.
Where's the best place to find the Motorcraft coolant other than the dealer?

I’m stopping by dealer today to pick one up. Can’t be a whole lot different in price dealer vs. online.

 

[Chris M]

Geez....
That stuff is $30+ at Walmart and O'Reillys!

 

[got3fords]

Oops, you're right, good catch. Yellow not gold. Brain fart on my part.

The Zerex stuff is the right stuff though.

Well crap, when I accidentally knocked off the little hose on the reservoir, and lost enough coolant to give me a light on the dash, I just grabbed the Prestone I had on hand. Didn't even bother to check what was called for.

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