FrozenTundraGuy

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FrozenTundraGuy

I found Motorcraft Gold for $14.95 at a local Ford Truck Dealership. My truck takes almost 3 gals (trailer tow with HD Cooling system). I flush it 2 times with distilled water only after draining(drains clear from petcock), then add coolant till its full. Usually have about 1 qt left over from the 3rd gal container. I changed it @ 5yrs, then 2yrs after per Ford specs. No problems doing this.

Toshbar

Do you test the freeze point after a few hours of run time?

FrozenTundraGuy

Yes, I do. It runs about -40 to -45.

redfishtd

50/50 fine but it needs the water too to cool properly. I used to top off heavy with antifreeze no water . Now I stay at 50/50 and use my own distilled water from Wally world . Change it every few years but not more than 60k . The older the truck the more often you are going to lose it anyway due to repairs and blown hoses . We need it more for extreme heat but I've had 10 degrees in florida every now and then .
My redneck step sons ran bulbs under their engine for several years , too poor for antifreeze . Then one day engine quit ,radiator and block full of mud-- bye bye engine . I had to find wrecked truck so they could cannibalize it . Mama had to buy new radiators . They were only 40 then . So much for that country boy can survive stuff .

FrozenTundraGuy

My truck holds 20.9qts-50% of that is 10.45 quarts. So 2 gals (8qts) is not enough, that's why I use 3 gals of coolant-have about 1.5 qts left over.. I'd rather be a bit over that 2 qts short.

diver64

someone explain to me why green anti freeze is a big "no no" in 04-08 trucks? I've never tracked down that answer.

I used the Prestone flush in it, the one you put in and drive for a bit, and got a bunch of junk out of it. Flushed with well water then 50/50 World Anti Freeze or whatever it's called.

connorfx4

I'm using the green stuff with no problems.

Most people on here are Motorcraft only for some reason. Who knows

FrozenTundraGuy

Well, Google it and there is a good article by Hemmings Motor news. basically you will cause more wear/tear on your cooling system by using green instead of the gold. it won't show up for years but: premature water pump wear, sooner hose failures due to ELD, and corroding of the radiator are all possible. So, if you're a lucky gambling man-do use the green and go for it. If not, I prefer to use the gold coolant and stay safe.

FrozenTundraGuy

Also, many green coolants have a fair to large amount of silicates in them. Silicates are very bad for water pump seals-its abrasive and makes them leak. So, you could experience water pump leakage/failures by using a coolant that has silicates. Most of the new coolants have no silicates in them for long water pump life.