Use only "Motorcraft Specialty Orange Coolant"
11-01-2015, 12:56 PM
#12
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LOL!!!! Truer words have never been spoken!! I literally DID stay up all night, flushing the system repeatedly with distilled water, circulating with the heater on, an occasional short drive, revving - until I had pristine clear water coming out. (I think I flushed 5 or 6 times).I was able to get 8 quarts of clear distilled out of the radiator / reservoir on the final drain after cool down, and replaced it with the "right" coolant. (more to come later on the "right" coolant choice). I replaced with 8 quarts of straight concentrate (not 50 /50) - and since my system holds 19.5 quartsof coolant (I have a 6.2L),and had 11 quarts still in the block / hoses, etc my current mix is 40/60. I live in AZ, so thisis actually an acceptable % if I left it at that mix long term. I figureas the air bleeds out, I can measure the right amount of mix to stay close to orbelow 50 /50 as I add the final bits of coolant back in.
As you can tell, the fact I mixed the coolants together really bothered me, as evidenced by not being able to "sleep at night" ---- even after reading a lot of posts on this forum and others where some conclude that all this obsession over the"right" coolant is unwarranted, and the true impact of using non-recommended coolants or mixing might be overblown. Even you alluded to that in your reply - butI decided not to take a chance. I pondered doing nothing, but it just did not "feel" right with the number of sources, especially Ford, that said do not intermix the colors!! Too bad Ford can't put an end to all the madness and conjecture on this topic and just come out with a concise statement of the "facts" about Dexcool, it's equivalency, and whether just putting simple Prestone green in really has an impact. But I guess that would ultimately cost them $$ in selling product, so I won't hold my breath.... btw, I own a Suburban anda 1500 Pickup as well, and I feel the same way about Chevy. I am not a Ford vs. Chevy nut - in addition to my Lariat F150 I also own a Ford E450 RV with a V10 Triton!!. So please don't assume I am bashing anyone,just amused at how the two companies do more to feed the dysfunction than any of us. I have always been a Ford AND Chevy guy....
OK, I know this could sidetrack the thread, but maybe that is a good thing and will help someone who reads this at a later date - but the "right" stuff I chose to put in there was not Motorcraft Orange, even though it is right and recommended by Ford - I put Prestone Extended life Dexcool in. (I can already feel the natives getting restless). My choice was influenced by availability and cost of course - but mainly by the hours I spent combing virtually every thread / forum on google regarding this topic - including this forum - and ultimately concluded that Prestone meets the Ford WSS-97B44-D2standard, and that was the bottom line. As an aside, Ford does not make coolant - they make cars - and since the only Coolant I could find (anywhere) that met the exact Ford spec was Prestone Dexcool, it has crossed my mind that the Prestone coolant might even be what is actually inside of the Motorcraft bottle! I could be wrong - like I implied - my conclusion was based on thorough combing of information and applying my own deduction. But there are others that have offered that assertion also... again, I could be dead wrong on that though.
By the way -wow, what a CF this coolant choice for Ford vehicles is now with their venture into "Orange" - the first hour or two of research had me thoroughly confused, and even borderline amused at the level of emotion and defensiveness the coolant choice can cause! I never thought choosing a coolant could be so complicated and hard to find the right answer. Once I circled back through all the information a second time, the picture became clearer to me that the data supported Prestone Dexcool as being OK. But even still, I have doubts, and not 110% sure of my choice, probably more at the 80% level - so the 80/20 rule applied here.
Thank you to all who have responded. I hope my reply does not create a storm / debate on whether Prestone Dexcool is OK to use - and moreover hope I did not make the"wrong" choice - but at this point I am comfortable with my decision. However, I am open to being proven wrong, but put a lot of stock in data based arguments with documented information from Ford or equivalent to back it up. My assessment from research is that thes pecifications from Ford themselves says it is OK to use the Prestone. Iwill say the burden of proof lies on those that say it is NOT the right choice- as those who argue it is the right choice have a pretty good case - including Ford's statements supporting it. It appeared to me that those arguing against Prestone / Dexcool relied mainly ontheir "expertise" and "years of experience" --- coupled with the "Dexcool sucks argument" --- but frankly, there was not any documented evidence that I saw proving the choice wrong.... only a whole lot of authoritative assertions and emotion to fall back on.
OP - I am interested to hear your thoughts. Your original thread said not to mixt hem (e.g. Dexcool and "Orange") - but do you think it is OK to flush completely and go solely with Dexcool Prestone? After all, it is the same specification as Motorcraft Orange.... no?
Cheers! Have at it... like I said, I don't mind being proven wrong - but also take alot of stock in objective decision making with data. If you are going to assert it is the wrong choice, please offer proof backed up by documentation from the manufacturer. Those who support Prestone Dexcool can point to hard data from Ford (spec #, statements like "Dexcoolequivalent" from Ford) to back up the reasoning.
EDIT - I typed my response in a different editor / window, and when I cut and pasted here, many of the words were lumped together - so I put spaces in. Content is the same as the original.
As you can tell, the fact I mixed the coolants together really bothered me, as evidenced by not being able to "sleep at night" ---- even after reading a lot of posts on this forum and others where some conclude that all this obsession over the"right" coolant is unwarranted, and the true impact of using non-recommended coolants or mixing might be overblown. Even you alluded to that in your reply - butI decided not to take a chance. I pondered doing nothing, but it just did not "feel" right with the number of sources, especially Ford, that said do not intermix the colors!! Too bad Ford can't put an end to all the madness and conjecture on this topic and just come out with a concise statement of the "facts" about Dexcool, it's equivalency, and whether just putting simple Prestone green in really has an impact. But I guess that would ultimately cost them $$ in selling product, so I won't hold my breath.... btw, I own a Suburban anda 1500 Pickup as well, and I feel the same way about Chevy. I am not a Ford vs. Chevy nut - in addition to my Lariat F150 I also own a Ford E450 RV with a V10 Triton!!. So please don't assume I am bashing anyone,just amused at how the two companies do more to feed the dysfunction than any of us. I have always been a Ford AND Chevy guy....
OK, I know this could sidetrack the thread, but maybe that is a good thing and will help someone who reads this at a later date - but the "right" stuff I chose to put in there was not Motorcraft Orange, even though it is right and recommended by Ford - I put Prestone Extended life Dexcool in. (I can already feel the natives getting restless). My choice was influenced by availability and cost of course - but mainly by the hours I spent combing virtually every thread / forum on google regarding this topic - including this forum - and ultimately concluded that Prestone meets the Ford WSS-97B44-D2standard, and that was the bottom line. As an aside, Ford does not make coolant - they make cars - and since the only Coolant I could find (anywhere) that met the exact Ford spec was Prestone Dexcool, it has crossed my mind that the Prestone coolant might even be what is actually inside of the Motorcraft bottle! I could be wrong - like I implied - my conclusion was based on thorough combing of information and applying my own deduction. But there are others that have offered that assertion also... again, I could be dead wrong on that though.
By the way -wow, what a CF this coolant choice for Ford vehicles is now with their venture into "Orange" - the first hour or two of research had me thoroughly confused, and even borderline amused at the level of emotion and defensiveness the coolant choice can cause! I never thought choosing a coolant could be so complicated and hard to find the right answer. Once I circled back through all the information a second time, the picture became clearer to me that the data supported Prestone Dexcool as being OK. But even still, I have doubts, and not 110% sure of my choice, probably more at the 80% level - so the 80/20 rule applied here.
Thank you to all who have responded. I hope my reply does not create a storm / debate on whether Prestone Dexcool is OK to use - and moreover hope I did not make the"wrong" choice - but at this point I am comfortable with my decision. However, I am open to being proven wrong, but put a lot of stock in data based arguments with documented information from Ford or equivalent to back it up. My assessment from research is that thes pecifications from Ford themselves says it is OK to use the Prestone. Iwill say the burden of proof lies on those that say it is NOT the right choice- as those who argue it is the right choice have a pretty good case - including Ford's statements supporting it. It appeared to me that those arguing against Prestone / Dexcool relied mainly ontheir "expertise" and "years of experience" --- coupled with the "Dexcool sucks argument" --- but frankly, there was not any documented evidence that I saw proving the choice wrong.... only a whole lot of authoritative assertions and emotion to fall back on.
OP - I am interested to hear your thoughts. Your original thread said not to mixt hem (e.g. Dexcool and "Orange") - but do you think it is OK to flush completely and go solely with Dexcool Prestone? After all, it is the same specification as Motorcraft Orange.... no?
Cheers! Have at it... like I said, I don't mind being proven wrong - but also take alot of stock in objective decision making with data. If you are going to assert it is the wrong choice, please offer proof backed up by documentation from the manufacturer. Those who support Prestone Dexcool can point to hard data from Ford (spec #, statements like "Dexcoolequivalent" from Ford) to back up the reasoning.
EDIT - I typed my response in a different editor / window, and when I cut and pasted here, many of the words were lumped together - so I put spaces in. Content is the same as the original.
Last edited by TimboSlims; 11-01-2015 at 01:05 PM.
11-01-2015, 01:31 PM
#13
You will probably be fine because you did a full swap. Just make sure you change the coolant in 5 years. Also, it takes a while for the new coolant to protect against corrosion and cavitation. Adding a 'wetter' right now might be a good idea.
Although, I wouldn't have settled on DexCool given the choice....
Although, I wouldn't have settled on DexCool given the choice....
11-01-2015, 04:38 PM
#14
Iraq Lobster!
I hope this stuff isn't the same as Dex Cool. I did a lot of tinkering with my 99 Grand Prix, when I had it, and eventually ended up doing an engine swap. I put in a new short block, cammed it and did a bunch of port and polish work. When I took the heads off the original engine I had coolant passages entirely, or almost entirely, caked with dexcool sludge. I did coolant changes often enough, so this happened despite a normal MX schedule. A little digging online and I found that it was less common to pull an engine apart and NOT find plugged passages in the Grand Prix world, as well as the S10 world. I replaced it all with the old school green stuff after the rebuild.
I'll stick with what Ford recommends, but cross my fingers that it's not the same **** GM used.
I'll stick with what Ford recommends, but cross my fingers that it's not the same **** GM used.
11-03-2015, 01:15 PM
#15
I had some of the same questions and called ZEREX and finally got in touch with a engineer there and was told that ZEREX DEXCOOL is the same formulation and would mix directly with Fords antifreeze. He did state not to mix colors (green and orange). I did this over 20K miles ago with no issues in two of my fords.
Last edited by reward69; 11-03-2015 at 01:22 PM.
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winchested (11-12-2015)
01-14-2017, 11:02 PM
#16
Senior Member
I hope this stuff isn't the same as Dex Cool. I did a lot of tinkering with my 99 Grand Prix, when I had it, and eventually ended up doing an engine swap. I put in a new short block, cammed it and did a bunch of port and polish work. When I took the heads off the original engine I had coolant passages entirely, or almost entirely, caked with dexcool sludge. I did coolant changes often enough, so this happened despite a normal MX schedule. A little digging online and I found that it was less common to pull an engine apart and NOT find plugged passages in the Grand Prix world, as well as the S10 world. I replaced it all with the old school green stuff after the rebuild.
I'll stick with what Ford recommends, but cross my fingers that it's not the same **** GM used.
I'll stick with what Ford recommends, but cross my fingers that it's not the same **** GM used.
When I flushed my coolant, I used Prestone Dexcool from an auto parts store. It's been running fine.
01-14-2017, 11:29 PM
#17
Two things. Does the Prestone bottle used actually say "WSS-97B44-D2" on it?
GM has actually changed Dexcool at least three times. Each time they claim it is fixed. I will be banned if I type what I really think. I do know my 2014 GM G4500 chassis has some solids forming in the recovery tank and under the cap. That crap is getting flushed out in the spring, and replaced with real coolant. The previous, supposedly fixed, stuff destroyed the cooling system in my last GM van.
I love Ford gold. I've seen original fills at 230,000 miles. That stuff seems to never fail unless it gets contaminated by another fluid. I hope the orange is as good.
GM has actually changed Dexcool at least three times. Each time they claim it is fixed. I will be banned if I type what I really think. I do know my 2014 GM G4500 chassis has some solids forming in the recovery tank and under the cap. That crap is getting flushed out in the spring, and replaced with real coolant. The previous, supposedly fixed, stuff destroyed the cooling system in my last GM van.
I love Ford gold. I've seen original fills at 230,000 miles. That stuff seems to never fail unless it gets contaminated by another fluid. I hope the orange is as good.
12-10-2021, 09:51 AM
#19
I have this same delima.
I just got my truck back from the mechanic I used. Have used him for years. Does good work.
He did brakes, and all new coolant hoses (Jeez, the hours and expense of this) and coolant, along with drain and fill trans and filter etc
I specifically told him I had added the Ford Orange OAT coolant while it was leaking because I was pretty sure thats what was in it since it says on the Orange jug, thats its for 2013 F150s. Mine is a 13.
I got it back, and he used the Ford Gold (up through 2012 on the jug), to put it back. He also didn't flush it because he said, there would still be a little bit of the old stuff at the bottom of the radiator.
I had specifically said get the Orange from Oreiley or Napa, that the ford dealer doesn't sell it. He bought Prestone I think, or Zerex.
Not sure if I should be concerned or not. I really have a hard time imagining why a 2012 would take one coolant, and a 2013 of the same engine would take a different one.
He even noted in the conversation tht mixing the green stuff would cause problems but I'd have no issues with the Ford gold.
Makes me nervous but I'm also a little OCD.
Thoughts?
I'm thinking I'm gonna drive it, and it it sludges up and causes a failure, he can fix it on his dime.
I just got my truck back from the mechanic I used. Have used him for years. Does good work.
He did brakes, and all new coolant hoses (Jeez, the hours and expense of this) and coolant, along with drain and fill trans and filter etc
I specifically told him I had added the Ford Orange OAT coolant while it was leaking because I was pretty sure thats what was in it since it says on the Orange jug, thats its for 2013 F150s. Mine is a 13.
I got it back, and he used the Ford Gold (up through 2012 on the jug), to put it back. He also didn't flush it because he said, there would still be a little bit of the old stuff at the bottom of the radiator.
I had specifically said get the Orange from Oreiley or Napa, that the ford dealer doesn't sell it. He bought Prestone I think, or Zerex.
Not sure if I should be concerned or not. I really have a hard time imagining why a 2012 would take one coolant, and a 2013 of the same engine would take a different one.
He even noted in the conversation tht mixing the green stuff would cause problems but I'd have no issues with the Ford gold.
Makes me nervous but I'm also a little OCD.
Thoughts?
I'm thinking I'm gonna drive it, and it it sludges up and causes a failure, he can fix it on his dime.
12-10-2021, 11:32 AM
#20
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I have this same delima.
I just got my truck back from the mechanic I used. Have used him for years. Does good work.
He did brakes, and all new coolant hoses (Jeez, the hours and expense of this) and coolant, along with drain and fill trans and filter etc
I specifically told him I had added the Ford Orange OAT coolant while it was leaking because I was pretty sure thats what was in it since it says on the Orange jug, thats its for 2013 F150s. Mine is a 13.
I got it back, and he used the Ford Gold (up through 2012 on the jug), to put it back. He also didn't flush it because he said, there would still be a little bit of the old stuff at the bottom of the radiator.
I had specifically said get the Orange from Oreiley or Napa, that the ford dealer doesn't sell it. He bought Prestone I think, or Zerex.
Not sure if I should be concerned or not. I really have a hard time imagining why a 2012 would take one coolant, and a 2013 of the same engine would take a different one.
He even noted in the conversation tht mixing the green stuff would cause problems but I'd have no issues with the Ford gold.
Makes me nervous but I'm also a little OCD.
Thoughts?
I'm thinking I'm gonna drive it, and it it sludges up and causes a failure, he can fix it on his dime.
I just got my truck back from the mechanic I used. Have used him for years. Does good work.
He did brakes, and all new coolant hoses (Jeez, the hours and expense of this) and coolant, along with drain and fill trans and filter etc
I specifically told him I had added the Ford Orange OAT coolant while it was leaking because I was pretty sure thats what was in it since it says on the Orange jug, thats its for 2013 F150s. Mine is a 13.
I got it back, and he used the Ford Gold (up through 2012 on the jug), to put it back. He also didn't flush it because he said, there would still be a little bit of the old stuff at the bottom of the radiator.
I had specifically said get the Orange from Oreiley or Napa, that the ford dealer doesn't sell it. He bought Prestone I think, or Zerex.
Not sure if I should be concerned or not. I really have a hard time imagining why a 2012 would take one coolant, and a 2013 of the same engine would take a different one.
He even noted in the conversation tht mixing the green stuff would cause problems but I'd have no issues with the Ford gold.
Makes me nervous but I'm also a little OCD.
Thoughts?
I'm thinking I'm gonna drive it, and it it sludges up and causes a failure, he can fix it on his dime.
The odds of him acknowledging and fixing on his dime?