I bought a 1997 31' Fleetwood RV based on the E-350 frame with V-10 and AOD.

It has 90,000 miles on it, and I know nothing about the maintenance history and do not have an owners manual (searching ebay now for one).

Anyhow, I've done some searches here for this and can't find a positive answer.

I know the newer (2003-2003) engines came with this new gold coolant, and my reservoir looks like it has orange coolant when its been sitting, but after driving it looks green or a mix, like orange on the bottom and green on top.

What kind of coolant do I need for the 1997 V-10. The standard old green stuff or the new Gold stuff? Did anything change on the V-10 that Ford decided to go with this new Gold stuff, ie, would it be worth it to completely flush the system and put the gold stuff in vice the green even if it originally came with green?

Also, I feel stupid asking this since I have rebuilt engines myself already, but I know nothing about the V-10. I've read that it doesn't have plug wires. Is this so? What about timing, is it a chain or a belt, and how often to replace it either way. How often to change out the plugs, wires, dist cap? Almost all my knowledge is on my 78 F-150 351M or my 68 Mustang 302.

Off topic for this forum, but does anybody ever flush the power steering or brake fluid?

 

Coolant - don't know.

Plug wires - We have none. There are ten coils, one mounted directly on top of each plug.
Timing chain, I believe. There is no scheduled replacement period that I'm aware of.
Ford says change the plugs at 100K miles. Some here have said they needed to do it sooner. I've got 72K on mine, and they're fine.
No distributor cap to change.
No plug wires to change.

Is that your airplane? Tis way cool. Can I go for a ride?

 

Thanks for the info on the wires and cap. Did not know that. I did read on another thread that I got it easy being able to change the rear plugs on the van with the easy access from the cab.

No, thats not my airplane, its actually yours (assuming you are a taxpayer). I just get to fly it. Sorry, no rides. My mom has been begging for years and even she can't get on the list.

 

Oh, yes. I am a taxpayer... It didn't cross my mind that you were in the service. My dad was a Navy pilot. He flew a Lockheed Constellation (with the big dome on top of it) a few years back. Anyway, I thank you for serving your country.

 

The newer coolant (gold) is probably long-life. I doubt your '97 would have that from the factory. I would refill with standard coolant. The long-life promises extended service life but cannot be effectively retrofitted to a vehicle using standard coolant. If the old coolant is not completely removed, even a small amount will contaminate the long life additives of the newer coolant and reder it ineffective for extended drain. Bottom line, you will pay for extended drain protection that you won't have. Hope that helps.

Lou

 

Thanks for the info, that answers my question.

J, your welcome.