2012 Ford F350 Super Duty Owner Guide 4th Printing - Page 381

Maintenance and Specifications Note: During normal vehicle operation, the engine coolant may change color from orange to pink or light red. As long as the engine coolant is clear and uncontaminated, this color change does not indicate the engine coolant has degraded nor does it require the engine coolant to be drained, the system to be flushed, or the engine coolant to be replaced. • DO NOT MIX different colors or types of coolant in your vehicle. Mixing of engine coolants may harm your engine's cooling system. Only use engine coolant that meets the Ford specification. Generic coolants for all makes and models may not meet the Ford specification. The use of an improper coolant may harm engine and cooling system components and may void the warranty. See Capacities and Specifications for more information. • In case of emergency, a large amount of water without engine coolant may be added in order to reach a vehicle service location. In this instance, the cooling system must be drained, chemically cleaned, and refilled with prediluted engine coolant as soon as possible per the instructions in the Workshop Manual. Water alone (without engine coolant) can cause engine damage from corrosion, overheating or freezing. • Do not use alcohol, methanol, brine or any engine coolants mixed with alcohol or methanol antifreeze (coolant). Alcohol and other liquids can cause engine damage from overheating or freezing. • Do not add extra inhibitors or additives to the coolant. These can be harmful and compromise the corrosion protection of the engine coolant. For vehicles with overflow coolant systems and a non-pressurized cap on the coolant recovery system, add prediluted engine coolant to the FULL COLD level on the coolant recovery reservoir when the engine is cool. For vehicles with overflow coolant systems and a pressure relief cap on the radiator, follow these steps to add engine coolant: 1. Turn off the engine and let it cool. 2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the coolant pressure relief cap on the radiator. 3. Slowly turn the coolant pressure relief cap counterclockwise until pressure begins to release. 4. Step back while the pressure releases. 5. When you are sure that all the pressure has been released, use the cloth to turn it counterclockwise and remove the cap. 381 2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23) Owners Guide, 4th Printing USA (fus)