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6.0L Coolant Capacity

J

jimw

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This is probably a dumb question, but I have a pair of 6.0L captain's choice crusaders that are fresh water cooled. The manual says the coolant capacity is 23 quarts (about 5 and 1/2 gallons). I am to understand that the engine takes that much antifreeze coolant? My 2001 Chevy Silverado pickup V8 capacity is around 14 quarts.
 
Yes, you get off cheap with only 23 qts; those of us with the big blocks need almost two gallons more.

the 'excess' goes in all those extra hoses, the manifolds, and the heat exhanger.
 
Thanks makomark. If you recall I had the core in the hot water heater fail and lost quite a bit of antifreeze. Since then, I have been running the boat and each time after coming home the degas bottle would be empty and I would re-fill it. However last evening I ran the boat and noticed I still had the degas bottle full. So apparently I have reached the point of having the complete system full of antifreeze now.
I haven't replaced the hot water heater yet. I am debating whether or not to spend the $300 to $350 replacement cost for something I don't really use. In the meantime I am bypassing the that core.
 
BBC with HeX capacity is close to 8 gallons total. If you run 30% antifreeze, thats 2.4 gallons each engine. It's not recommended to go much higher in %.
 
Jim - glad you have verified the leaking item. If you don't use the HWH, why spend the money to lug around the extra weight? Even at today's prices, that's a few gallons of fuel (or bait, beer, etc).

Vikingtime - The older FWC'ed 454's have an advertised 33 qt capacity. My manual says to adjust the coolant concentration for local conditions. I make up mine for a -20F freeze point. That's about 3.5 gallons/engine.

Once drained, I add the 100% antifreeze amount to the system and then fill with distilled water. Then purge and top off the overflow bucket.

Like Dave noted, a higher concentration of coolant on the fresh water side isn't a good thing. the heat transfer capability of the system goes down with increased ethylene glycol concentration.
 
Ok sorry for my ignorance. My plan was to get pre-diluted (probably 50/50) antifreeze. I guess that means I need about 8 gallons per side...am I making a mistake? (besides wasting a few bucks) on dilution.
 
Depends upon where you are and what you feel comfortable with.

You will have some residual coolant/fluid when you empty the block, even if you poke out the pipe plug holes. if you start with 50-50, you will dilute it. (I can't tell you by how much as I never measured what comes out.) I'd guess two quarts max (probably less), assuming you drain the whole system. best case, you can get 44% (of antifreeze) solution. That will give you a freeze point about -25 F.

If the numbers are acceptable, the only drawback to buying the 50/50 premixed is the one you noted.
 
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