Engine coolant

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Jun 9, 2004 | 07:20 PM

irazu

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Engine coolant

Going to replace the engine coolant. Should I flush it with some sort of scale remover first? If so what product?

Its (the coolant) been in there for some time. When I replace is there any coolant that realy stands out, if so which one?

What other things should I look for?

99-4.0L-4x4

Also, I am goint to replace the fuel filter -- manual says that all that needs to be done to relive the pressue in the system is remove the fuel cap?

is this correct?

Last edited by irazu; Jun 9, 2004 at 07:22 PM.

Jun 9, 2004 | 08:52 PM

Dealford

Cargo Master

Joined: Aug 2003

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From: Belleville, Ontario

Not all coolant's are created equal. Just so there's NO doubt, buy it from Ford. Using the wrong coolant (different additives) can be harmfull.
AL.

Jun 9, 2004 | 09:32 PM

BlueRanger94

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Check your owners manual for what type of coolant and then go to an auto parts store and buy it. You can’t go wrong with any of the brand names. The only thing the Ford dealer has over the local parts store is the ability to significantly lighten your wallet.

Jun 10, 2004 | 01:13 AM

TigerDan

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Joined: May 2004

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From: The hills of No. Calif.

Quote:

Originally Posted by irazu

Also, I am goint to replace the fuel filter -- manual says that all that needs to be done to relive the pressue in the system is remove the fuel cap?

is this correct?

You need to relieve the line pressure, or fuel will spray all over the place (including all over you) when you pull the filter. Just pulling off the gas cap won't do it. Unplug the inertia switch as well, and then start the engine. It should run for a second or two, then die, and you're good to go. (A thought...did they still use the inertia switch on '99's? I haven't worked on anything newer than about '93) If not, you can look for the fuel pump fuse, probably a big one located in the power block under the hood, and just pull that, and proceed the same way. -TD

Jun 10, 2004 | 10:19 AM

99xlt4.04x4

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From: Coastal North Carolina

Zerex makes a flush kit and a cleaner (I'd get both).

While we're on the subject i want to let off a little steam. I just had my radiator replced at the ford dealership (under extended warranty) and they didnt even clean out the overflow can. Now the coolant in the resevoir is dirty. And to make it worse they put in way too much. Now i know these are peety problems, but i paid them to take care of the problem. If i wanted a crappy job done i would have done it myself.

Ok im done.

Jun 10, 2004 | 11:33 PM

irazu

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No manual

Going right now to get a haynes

So what exactly do I use for the coolant. I seen some orange stuff at the store that mentions ford on the lable and its good for 5 years.

Also, exactly what oil to use in the tranny (manual -- 5speed -- 4.0L -- 99 -- 4x4). I know its the red stuff and I am thinking its mercon???

Jun 11, 2004 | 02:15 PM

Ranger Lance

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From: Seabrook, Texas

If it came with an owner's manual check it for the type of coolant to use and then check on the web sites of the coolant makers if it fits. Example: your owner's manual (probably under specifications) will say to use an ethylene glycol based coolant meeting Ford specification so and so. Then just check the back of the gallon jugs at the parts house for that spec number or go online by just typing Prestone, Zerex, etc. into your search engine and navigating their sites. For instance my 2000 Ranger 3.0 takes the Prestone plain jane and specifically says not to use the Dexcool clones such as Prestone 5/150.