I'm coming up on a 65k oil change the truck is an '03. So that means the coolant is about 5y/o and I live in a very hot desert! So I'm thinking it is time to change the coolant? So my questions are as follows:
1. What is the best way to change the coolant?
2. Is it just a matter of pulling the bottom hose letting it drain and replacing, or is there a drain plug somewhere?
3. Does the system need to be flushed or is it recommended?
4. Do I have to use the Motorcraft Premium Gold coolant or is there an equal or better coolant I can use?

Sorry about the list of questions but I haven't read much on this subject...

Any info will be greatly appreciated,

JB

 

Draining it the flushing th esystem will be the best way to remove all the debris from the cooling system. The motorcraft spec gold coolant is the best you can use. But you don't have to use the motorcraft brand. Valvoline is the only other one that makes a coolant meeting the ford spec its called Zerex GO5 antifreeze. Its in a gold bottle and easy to find and about 13.00 a gallon compared to the dealers 20.00.

 

Here is what you do....

1) Buy 4 galons of Ford Premium Gold coolant at dealer

2) Buy 15 gallons of distilled water at local grocery store.

3) Drop lower radiator hose until empty.

4) Reconnect hose and add distilled water to degas bottle until full.

5) Drive truck until temp guage goes to normal and thermostat opens.

6) Repeat steps #3 through #5 no less than 4 or 5 times (depends on distilled water amaount used) - I can't remember?

7) You now have 100% distilled water in you system.

8) Drop loweer hose 1 last time, drain and reconnect.

9) Look in manual for your system capacity and for a 50/50% refill of coolant just add the coolant straight into your degas bottle up to the amount that equals a 50/50% concentration.

10) Start motor and add distilled water to bring system level to the MIN mark on degas bottle.

11) Drive truck around to open thermostat and let cool 1 or twice to purge any air. May need to add more distilled water... but when done you have flushed your entire system and have a perfect 50/50% concentration of coolant and distilled water!!!!

I did mine at 50,000 miles and will do so between 100,000 and 105,000 miles.

The dealer only uses tap water and so does most other places... distilled is best in order to keep the minerals out of your system.

Good luck,

 

Jeff,

Your post should be added to the 6.0 Tech Folder, maybe we can get Admin to add it.

 

Who knows... it may already be... as I podted the same info 1 or 2 years ago when I did it and installed my coolant filter at the same time.

Thanks for the koodos.

Jeff

 

Jeff,

I did not see it in the tech folder, i yep you have posted it before. Just thought if it was in the tech folder, you could save some typing.

 

Thanks....

 

That's how I did mine... I also replaced the hoses at the same time. Jeff's instructions are very good and the job was a snap. Take your time and recycle your old coolant. Pep boys took mine.

 

Hey Beachbumcook,
Thanks a million for the instruction I really appreciate it.
Not to be a pain or anything but I have one more question last night I did the A/C mod on the truck and lost alot more coolant than I thought I would. It was late so of course I couldn't get my hand on anymore coolant. So I poored in what I had (about 1/2 a gallon mixed 50/50) and the level is still a little below minimum on the degas bottle. Would it hurt anything to top it off with distilled water until I can get to the dealer? (which I can't do til Friday)

Thanks again, And have a great 4th of July

JB

 

Jeff,

Is there any reason for getting the coolant from the dealer? Seems to be way to expensive there and you can get the same coolant for 7.00 less a gallon at any parts store. Both of the coolants meet the WSS-M97B51-A1.http://www.valvoline.com/pages/produ...asp?product=10

 

Just had my wife pick up some Motorcraft coolant from our local Ford dealer for $12.61/gl. I didn't think that was too bad.

 

Not trying to be a smartass, just make sure it is the "Premium Gold" WSS-M97B51-A1 as Ford has more than one Motorcraft coolant and you do not want to mix them.

 

No Problem, I just called the wife to make sure and it is the Premium Gold coolant WSS-M97B51-A1.

Thanks for the heads up!!

JB

 

When I did my coolant flush I used Peak Global Lifetime (Walmart). It meets Ford spec, and besides...
Q: My owner’s manual instructs me to use a particular brand of antifreeze/coolant. Will my new car warranty automatically be voided if I use an aftermarket antifreeze/coolant that is different than the antifreeze/coolant brand identified by the manufacturer?

A: No. Federal Law, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, prohibits a manufacturer or dealer from voiding your warranty just because you have chosen to use an aftermarket antifreeze/coolant in your automobile.

Just buy the "right stuff". Peak Global Lifetime is recommended For Automobiles With The Following Antifreeze Specifications: <table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td valign="top">

• ANFOR 15-601
• BS 6580 (British Standard)
• Chrysler MS7170
• Chrysler MS9769
• Ford ESE-M97B44-A
• Ford WSS-M97B44-D
• Ford WSS-M97B51-A1
• FVV HEFT R443 (Germany)

</td> <td valign="top">

• GM 1825M
• GM 6277M (DEX-COOL® Spec)
• JASO M325 (Japan)
• JIS K 2234 (Japan)
• SAE J1034
• Mercedes Benz DBL 7700

</td></tr></tbody></table>