Hey guys, i just purchased a 01 f150.

I was told the engine was swapped, so i have no idea what engine is in it, i was told it was swapped with the 5.4l, but i dont realllly know.

Anyways i want to do a coolant flush but i cant figure out what coolant to use. It seems to be orange/redish in color right now, which i thought was Dexacool or GM?

Is coolant engine specific?
How can i tell what engine i have? - Where is the engine stickers/stamps usually located on theses engines?
What coolant do i use?

I'm a bit lost right now.

Any help appreciated. I cant post pictures if you need them!

 

Coolant is time period specific, at least non universal. DexCool is what they use now, but definitely not back then. You can use the universal yellow, but it calls for gold specifically. Orange/reddish coolant is either the incorrect coolant, or its just old. Early models used green coolant, but these do call for gold specifically.

Part numbers/types

Zerex G05
Motorcraft Gold VC-7-B (Concentrated)
Motorcraft Gold VC-7DIL-B (Prediluted)

 

Also, label on the side of a brand new Ford coolant tank on an '03.

 

Dexcool is a bad, bad thing. AFAIK, GM doesn't even suggest it anymore. My 97 F150 had the green stuff in it, while my 98 had the orange.

I would suggest everyone watch this episode.

 

So, it doesn't matter if i have a 4.6 or a 5.4, it just matters on how old the engine is?

Should i flush it and put yellow in?

 

If your engine is a 2003 it takes the gold. Use the Zerex G05 or the Motorcraft.
The Zerex G05 is easily found at any chain auto parts stores and most independents that sell Valvoline oils.

 

How do i know what engine i have? like i said i just bought it, the guy told me it was swapped. No idea what engine is inside.

 

If you don't know what you have, it might be better for you just to use the universal coolant. I really like the Valvoline MAX Life Universal coolant (same stuff as Zerex probably - same company).

 

okay, do you know of any where i can see what engine i have? would help for other things like oil changes, parts etc.

 

There may be a date on the cam / rocker cover but that may have been switched also.
The block casting date would help also. It should be on the lower section of the block on the drivers side. The engine data can't be earlier than the casting date. Should be a raised number, then letter, then a couple more numbers. Do a web search for image of what it should look like.

I found a good pic on the internet. The numbers on the second row between the screwheads is the casting date.




Also, Fords recommendations for coolant is attached.