2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty Coolant Capacity & Type

The 2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty coolant capacity varies by engine. This guide covers how much coolant your truck holds, the correct type to use, flush intervals, and refilling procedures.

Quick Answer

• Total Cooling System Capacity (6.2L V8): Approximately 19.3 quarts (18.3 liters)
• Total Cooling System Capacity (6.7L Power Stroke Diesel): Approximately 33.4 quarts (31.6 liters)
• OEM Coolant Spec: Ford Yellow Prediluted Antifreeze/Coolant (VC-13-DLG) or Motorcraft Yellow Antifreeze/Coolant Concentrate (VC-13-G). This is a P-OAT (Phosphated Organic Acid Technology) Hybrid OAT (HOAT) coolant.
• Mix Ratio: 50/50 with distilled water if using concentrate.

Capacity by Engine Option

The 2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty was available with two primary engine options, each with a different coolant capacity:

Flush Interval

Maintaining your coolant is crucial for the longevity of your engine. Ford recommends the following coolant flush intervals for the 2019 F-250 Super Duty:

• Normal Duty: The initial flush is recommended at 200,000 miles or 10 years, whichever comes first. After the initial flush, subsequent flushes are recommended every 100,000 miles or 5 years.
• Severe Duty (e.g., heavy towing, off-road use, extreme temperatures): It is generally advisable to shorten these intervals, potentially to half, for vehicles operating under severe conditions. Always refer to your owner's manual for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding severe duty maintenance schedules.

How to Refill & Bleed

Refilling and bleeding the cooling system properly is essential to prevent air pockets, which can lead to overheating. Always perform this procedure on a cool engine.

1. Drain: With the engine cool, open the draincock on the bottom of the radiator to drain the old coolant. For a more complete flush, you may need to open engine block drain plugs (consult your service manual).
2. Close Drain: Once drained, close the radiator draincock and any engine block drain plugs.
3. Refill: Slowly add the specified Ford Yellow coolant (50/50 prediluted or 50/50 concentrate mixed with distilled water) into the coolant reservoir until it reaches the MAX fill line.
4. Bleed Air: Start the engine and let it run with the heater on high. This helps open the thermostat and allows coolant to circulate. As the engine warms up, the coolant level in the reservoir may drop as air is purged from the system. Continue to add coolant to maintain the MAX fill line. You may need to gently squeeze the upper and lower radiator hoses to help release trapped air.
5. Monitor: Run the engine until it reaches operating temperature and the cooling fans cycle on and off a few times. Watch the temperature gauge closely to ensure there is no overheating. Check for leaks.
6. Final Check: Once the engine is cool again, recheck the coolant level in the reservoir and top off if necessary. Keep an eye on the coolant level over the next few drive cycles.

Note for 6.7L Power Stroke Diesel: These engines can be more sensitive to air in the cooling system due to their complex design, including multiple cooling circuits. A vacuum fill tool is highly recommended for these applications to ensure all air is purged effectively. If you do not have access to a vacuum filling tool, be extra diligent with the manual bleeding process and consider consulting a professional.

Common Cooling System Issues for This Generation

Ford F-250 Super Duty trucks are robust, but like any vehicle, their cooling systems can experience common issues over time. For the 2017-2022 generation of Super Duty trucks:

• Degassing Bottle Leaks: The plastic coolant degas bottle (reservoir) can develop cracks and leaks, especially around hose connections, leading to coolant loss. Regularly inspect this component for signs of wear or leakage.
• Hose Leaks: Over time, rubber coolant hoses can degrade, crack, or become loose, leading to leaks. Pay attention to the upper and lower radiator hoses, as well as heater hoses.
• Water Pump Failure: The water pump, a critical component for circulating coolant, can eventually wear out, leading to leaks from the weep hole or bearing noise. A failing water pump can cause overheating.
• Radiator Leaks: Radiators can develop leaks due to corrosion, impact from road debris, or fatigue. Look for coolant stains around the radiator core and end tanks.
• Thermostat Issues: A faulty thermostat can either fail to open, causing overheating, or fail to close, leading to the engine running too cool. Both scenarios are detrimental to engine efficiency and longevity.
• EGR Cooler Issues (6.7L Power Stroke Diesel): The EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) cooler on the 6.7L Power Stroke can be a point of failure, potentially leading to coolant consumption or mixing with exhaust gases. Symptoms can include unexplained coolant loss, white smoke from the exhaust, or engine performance issues.

Regular inspection and adherence to the recommended maintenance schedule will help prevent or quickly address most cooling system issues.

Find a trusted shop on Repairius.