Hello all - back again with a quick question. I am sure this is a no brainer for the experts out there. Yesterday, I had the coolant flushed in my 2001 F250 gas 4-wheel drive. It had the green in it when I got it (with a green sharpie slash at the refill area) and I have always used that. When I got home and later that day was checking the level, I saw the coolant was yellow. The NAPA affiliated mechanic just told me that it was a universal coolant for all makes and models, extended life 100,000 miles. He said I can get it anywhere just look for the above description and make sure it is Ford compatible. My questions are is this OK for my vehicle and what should I get to add to this when necessary. Thanks as always. Raleigh Sanford.

 

The NAPA mechanic might be right, but go for a second opinion

 

Maybe I need a new mechanic. I just realized the oil change sticker shows 5-30 instead of the 5-20 called for in the manual. The mechanic said this was fine especially at this temp and that the only difference might be 1mph less. Well at 10 mph, that is 10%. Oh well. Anyway, am I ok with this or do I need to swap out ASAP. Thanks again

 

Sorry I meant mpg

 

In regards to the 5w30, its fine and probably what the original sticker on the truck/manual suggests. That is the case with mine. I believe, I read a TSB that said 5w20 is now recommended. Not everyone has that memo though it seems. It won't hurt it, as that is what the engine was recommended for originally.

I do have the same question regarding coolant, I'm about to flush mine and bought some peak stuff that is supposed to be universal, and the parts guys suggested it.. Now I'm questioning the purchase...

 

the 5w 30 will be fine....but i would use 5w 20 from here on out

 

Thanks for the assurances on the oil. Hopefully some people will weigh in on the coolant issue.

 

I'd say as long as the coolant meets "Ford Standard" you should have no issues. Ford has used quite a few colors of coolant for their vehicles over the years. Currently they are on a pinkish color.

Regarding the "extended change interval" I'd be leery. Like any other fluid in an engine it will wear out. My farm truck doesn't get many miles, but it gets it's coolant changed every 2 years.

 

You cannot mix ford gold with green! IIRC from reading on here that ford gold is a hybrid OAT coolant that has a different base than green. I know in diesels you never mix the two but I'm sure gas is the same way. I would do some digging on here and someone with more knowledge will chime in.

 

I guess I understood this to be at the same time in the coolant reservoir. If one were to completely flush, would that not be ok?

Just searching for the correct advice here. I believe I have green, and I don't think the new stuff is green, but says universal.

 

2001 and earlier models came with the green coolant. 2002 and later came with the Ford gold coolant. This coolant was said to be good for 5 years/100,000 miles. Ford used this coolant in many models, including cars. Zerex G-05 is the same stuff. Key would be to make sure a very thorough flush was performed.

This link is from the 7.3 section about Gooch's flush procedure and coolant information. The flush is probably similar, you would have to check. Best to find out how the mechinac flushed and what product he used.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...formation.html

Here's some additional info:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l-in-f250.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-supercab.html

 

Thank you. I appreciate the info and link.

 

I think 5-20 forces you into synthetic at a higher cost, or thats the way I understood it anyway.

 

I use 5W 30 oil in the summer then switch back to 5w 20 in the winter

 

I purchased my 2001 E-350 15-passenger van in 2004, with 40Kmi on it. I promptly flushed the cooling system several times and installed Zerex's G-05 coolant. I am getting ready to change it out and noticed the cooling system is in pristine condition. I haven't had a single issue with it. Sadly, I cannot find the Zerex locally anymore, so I will have to order it online, but, even with the higher cost, it will be worth it.