2016 Ford F-350 Super Duty — Coolant Capacity & Type

The 2016 Ford F-350 Super Duty holds approximately 20–30 quarts (about 19–28 liters) of coolant depending on engine and configuration.

Quick answer

• Total cooling system capacity: roughly 20–24 qt (19–23 L) for the 6.2L gas V8; roughly 28–30 qt (26.5–28.5 L) for the 6.7L Power Stroke diesel (primary + secondary circuits combined). If equipped with the 6.8L V10 chassis-cab, expect roughly 23–26 qt (22–25 L).
• OEM coolant spec: Motorcraft Specialty Orange coolant (color: orange), Organic Acid Technology (OAT), meeting Ford spec WSS-M97B44-D. Do not mix with other colors/chemistries.
• Mix ratio: 50/50 with distilled water (or pre-mixed 50/50). Up to 60/40 (coolant/water) may be used for extreme cold, but do not exceed 60% coolant.

Capacity by engine option

Exact capacity can vary with options (plow prep, auxiliary coolers) and residual coolant left in the block/heater core. Always measure what drains out and refill to the system’s COLD FILL RANGE marks rather than chasing a number.

Flush interval

• Normal service: Replace coolant at 100,000 miles (160,000 km) or 5 years initially, then every 50,000 miles (80,000 km) or 3 years thereafter.
• Severe duty (heavy towing, dusty/off-road, extended idling, high ambient temps): Inspect annually; replace around 45,000–60,000 miles (72,000–96,000 km) or 3 years.

Staying with the OEM OAT chemistry is critical. Mixing with conventional green or HOAT “gold” coolants can cause gel/sludge and premature component wear.

How to refill & bleed

General notes for all engines

1. Start with a cold engine. Open the degas bottle cap slowly to relieve pressure. Drain via the radiator petcock and engine block drains (if accessible) to remove as much old coolant as possible.
2. Close drains. If using concentrate, pre-mix 50/50 with distilled water. Fill slowly through the degas bottle to the COLD FILL RANGE mark.
3. Set cabin heat to full hot, fan low. Start the engine and let it idle. Top off at the degas bottle as the level drops. Watch for steady heat from the vents and stable temperature gauge.
4. Hold 1,500–2,000 rpm for 2–3 minutes a couple of times to help purge trapped air, then let the engine fully warm until the thermostat(s) open and the upper radiator hose is hot.
5. Shut down, let cool completely, recheck and set the level to the COLD FILL mark. Recheck over the next 1–2 heat cycles.

6.2L gas V8 specifics

• The system is self-bleeding via the degas bottle; no separate radiator cap. Fill slowly to avoid aeration. Some variants may purge air more easily if the front of the truck is slightly raised.

6.7L Power Stroke diesel specifics

• Two circuits and two reservoirs: primary (engine) and secondary (low-temp circuit for charge air/fuel cooling). Both must be filled to their respective COLD FILL RANGE marks.
• A vacuum-fill tool is strongly recommended to prevent air pockets in the EGR/aux circuits. If not available, fill both reservoirs slowly, run at idle, and cycle the engine several times while monitoring both levels. Expect multiple top-offs over several heat cycles.

Tip: Replace the degas bottle cap if it won’t hold pressure; a weak cap can mimic overheating/boil-over.

Common cooling system issues (2011–2016 Super Duty)

• Radiator seam leaks: Upper tank-to-core seams can seep under heavy towing/thermal cycling. Look for pink/orange crust at the plastic tanks.
• Degas bottle cracks or cap failure: Age and heat can cause the reservoir to crack or the cap to lose spring pressure, leading to overflow or low-coolant warnings.
• Water pump seepage/noise: More common on higher-mileage 6.2L and 6.7L; check for weep hole staining and play at the pulley.
• Thermostat sticking: Slow warm-up or overheating at load; replace in pairs on the 6.7L if applicable.
• Heater core restriction: Often from mixed coolants or stop-leak use; cabin heat weak even with normal engine temp.
• 6.7L secondary circuit issues: Auxiliary electric pump or quick-connect fittings may leak or set performance DTCs; air intrusion can cause intermittent overheat warnings under boost.

Use only Motorcraft Orange OAT (WSS-M97B44-D) or a proven equivalent meeting the same spec, and never mix coolant chemistries.

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