I was recently advised that the best way
to avoid the dreaded 'hydrolock' issue is to
not let the coolant get acidic .
This seems like common sense !
Any comments ?
I just bought a 2000 XLT with 27000 km (<> 17000 miles).
I guess a yearly flush & fill is cheap insurance ?

 

Regular coolant changes on the 2000 is never a bad idea, but you don't have to go overboard. Just be sure to used distilled water rather than tap water.
The newer extended mileage antifreezes are supposed to be able to go much longer between changes, but it's not a big hassle on earlier models to do them once a year or so.

FWIW, I did keep the coolant changed in my 2000. The lower intake manifold gasket finally failed at about 150,000 miles. I got lucky and only had to have the gasket replaced. No internal damage occurred.

I DID have warning (slowly dropping coolant level) and ignored the wrning for too long. So, I actually got VERY lucky!

 

Hey.thanks for the reply !
Ya...I am going to religiously change the coolant every year !

It's an easy Sat. afternoon..couple of beers...