How often to flush coolant ?
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How often to flush coolant ?
FWIW, I did search this first and couldn't find the answer so I apologize if the info. is already here somewhere. It is well documented that you should flush the cooling system every 50,000 miles on a 6.0L but how often should you flush time wise? I have not put 50,000 miles on my truck since I last flushed it approx. 3 yrs. ago. My only motivation for flushing again is to keep "fresh" coolant in my system to prevent rust/corrosion. I used distilled water only on my last flush and went back with fresh Ford Gold. I avoided the chemical flush to try to prevent causing a problem since my deltas were/are good. I plan on doing the same thing again this time. Should I do it again since it's been 3 yrs.? The coolant looks real clean and nice and I have a delta of 8-10 deg. (using the 65 mph. cruising unloaded method). I just don't wanna "stir up a hornets nest" if you know what I mean. Lol. I figure any unnecessary flushing is an invitation for a clogged oil cooler. What would ya'll do? BTW,I have been running a coolant filter since 4,500 miles and since the first couple changes the filter has been pretty darn clean. Opinions please and thanks in advance!!
Hotshot
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From: Stuttgart, Ar
Not a problem. Remember that the old change interval was 100K but I don't remember the time interval, and that was with no coolant filter.
Hotshot
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From: Middle Tn.
I've been doing just the standard radiator drain and refill every couple, two, years. For the cost it just makes me feel better. I buy the full strength Zerex G-05 and mix it 50/50 with distilled.
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From: Ouray, CO
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69CJ,If I understand you right you're saying every other year you just drain the radiator only,one time and fill back up with the same coolant mixed 50/50 with distilled to keep a higher percentage of fresh coolant and don't really flush at all? Why didn't I think of that?! Lol. Good idea.
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Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Middle Tn.
69CJ,If I understand you right you're saying every other year you just drain the radiator only,one time and fill back up with the same coolant mixed 50/50 with distilled to keep a higher percentage of fresh coolant and don't really flush at all? Why didn't I think of that?! Lol. Good idea.
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From: Tuscaloosa, AL
I'm replacing an oil cooler that was replaced 50k miles ago. It obviously want flush sheen the oil cooler was installed. Hasn't been running a coolant filter. I'm paranoid about coolant crude. I've got 200k on the truck and I don't think it has ever been flushed.
Your coolant filter should prevent the need for a chemical flush.
Your coolant filter should prevent the need for a chemical flush.
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2011
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From: Albuquerque, NM
I'm due up for a coolant flush in a few months, is the Zerex G05 compatible with the Gold coolant, in other words, can I drain the the Gold stuff out of my truck, flush with distilled water, and fill with Zerex G05? I've read that some stuff will gel up if you don't do a chemical flush before replacing the Ford Gold coolant with something else...
Thanks.
Thanks.
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I'm due up for a coolant flush in a few months, is the Zerex G05 compatible with the Gold coolant, in other words, can I drain the the Gold stuff out of my truck, flush with distilled water, and fill with Zerex G05? I've read that some stuff will gel up if you don't do a chemical flush before replacing the Ford Gold coolant with something else...
Thanks.
Thanks.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
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I'm replacing an oil cooler that was replaced 50k miles ago. It obviously want flush sheen the oil cooler was installed. Hasn't been running a coolant filter. I'm paranoid about coolant crude. I've got 200k on the truck and I don't think it has ever been flushed.
Your coolant filter should prevent the need for a chemical flush.
Your coolant filter should prevent the need for a chemical flush.
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 269
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From: Albuquerque, NM
Agreed, I don't plan on doing any chemical flush, just drain & fill. I was just curious about getting all the residual stuff out of the engine.
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Thanks 69cj,4 gal. sounds about right from my recollection when I did my 1st. flush. I just don't want to do any more flushing than necessary to avoid "stirring" any crud up. I don't think a simple drain and refill will stir up anything. Thanks for the idea!