recommended coolant flush

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Oct 15, 2004 | 10:23 AM

MOOK929RR

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recommended coolant flush

My father has a 2000 F150 with 35k miles, i have a 2001 Expi with 52k miles and he is bothering me saying we should flush our coolant. i consider both of our trucks to still be in brand new condition, do we need this yet? what is recommended interval?
thanks!

Oct 15, 2004 | 11:32 AM

gibsonj

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From: north carolina

I think the Haynes recommendations on coolant flush are around 60K. I usually adjust to things like extreme driving conditions, such as towing. The main thing to consider about coolant is the rust inhibitor breakdown over time. Some folks think that if the coolant looks clean, don't change it. But, the issue really is whether or not the coolant still has rust inhibitor quality. The main cooling system problems down the road are caused by rust or other blockages in the coolant passages in the block, heater core, and radiator. As long as you change the coolant at least every 60K, along with a good flush, you're doing right to limit the chances for cooling system failure.

Oct 15, 2004 | 03:06 PM

Vernon_04_Expy

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From: San Diego

The recommended interval for a Coolant flush is not till 100K. Seems pretty long? I know when it's time to get my 30K the stealer will try to talk me into one. I also think 60K would be a good time.

Does anyone have that stealer who has an outline of what Ford recommends at different intervals, then you see their recommended services in red or something? They crack me up

Oct 15, 2004 | 03:15 PM

Vernon_04_Expy

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From: San Diego

Take that back found a recommended interval of 50K, from the Ford site. It says change, is that the same as flush? Even at 100K it says change.

Present Service: 50,000 Miles:

Change engine oil and replace oil filter
Change premium gold engine coolant
Perform multi-point inspection
Rotate tires for optimal tire life
------------------------------------------
Present Service: 100,000 Miles

Change engine oil and replace oil filter
Change premium gold engine coolant
Inspect accessory drive belt(s)
Perform multi-point inspection
Replace spark plugs
Rotate tires for optimal tire life

Oct 18, 2004 | 07:30 AM

gibsonj

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From: north carolina

I interpret change and flush as the same, unless you're changing coolant pretty frequently. Not that much more trouble to run a can of Prestone Superflush through, and connect up a garden hose to the heater core. I like to make sure I'm getting at any gunk and/or rust build-up as best I can.

Oct 18, 2004 | 04:19 PM

scottspoerry

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Flushing isn't everything -- 99 Expedition

Unlike some vehicles, the Expeditions (at least my 99 4x4) have a filter that can only be got at and replaced by pulling the pan (and there's an o-ring seal on the filter that needs to be checked/replaced as well). So while a good flush is fine, I felt better replacing the fluid AND the filter at 65,000 miles. Ran me $200 bucks but I felt a little more piece of mind.

Oct 19, 2004 | 07:33 AM

gibsonj

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Sorry, Scottspoerry, but we're talking radiator coolant here, and not ATF. I agree with your post, though---not that much more trouble to replace the filter during an ATF flush.