Coolant alternatives

[sheep herder]

I don't get it?

That's OK. Go order some more sushi.

 

[Shran]

But it only cost like 6 bucks less so why would you use a 2 year coolant over a 5-7 year lol. It's actually cheaper in the long run to use gold.

I have never understood the whole "old coolant" theory. If it's clean, it's no problem. I filter coolant out of junker vehicles through a t-shirt and reuse it and have done that for many years. I would do that for any year/make/model and any type of coolant.

I do not mix, I do try to use the correct type though. I do believe in chemical reactions. Sometimes they happen right from the factory... I'm thinking of YOU, 2nd gen Taurus and your filthy, rusty cooling system.

 

[Dirtman]

Coolant simply breaks down over time. When the glycol breaks down not only does it become less effective as an antifreeze but it becomes acidic and starts eating metal. This has nothing to due with how clean it looks or how many t-shirts you filter it through. Only way to check if its still good is with a hydrometer or refractometer and a PH test.

 

[Rearanger]

Walmart SuperTech 5 year green. Used it since first change after warranty, drain and fill rad with new every 2 years. No problems. No fact as to silicate in it.

 

[mikkelstuff]

Just drained the coolant from my 2002 Ranger 3.0L. This had been my Dad's truck and I doubt the coolant had ever been changed. Looked absolutely awful. Also coolant was leaking at the timing case cover-engine block joint. As I've learned on this website, the aluminum timing case cover was badly pitted and must be replaced.

I'm told this is likely an electrolysis problem between the dissimilar metals - aluminum and cast iron - with a conductive coolant. Anyone else heard this theory?

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I'm told this is likely an electrolysis problem between the dissimilar metals - aluminum and cast iron - with a conductive coolant. Anyone else heard this theory?

Yes. Old coolant will act as an electrolyte.

 

[mikkelstuff]

So how often should I change out the coolant?

 

[sgtsandman]

According to the manuals for my current and past Rangers. 105,000 miles or 72 months for the first change and every 45,000 miles 36 months after that.

 

[Dirtman]

I did my first flush at 50k at 8 years old. Coolant was crystal clean, factory coolant. But it tested as temp protection at around 0 degrees and ph was below 7.5. Bad coolant...

My maunal says coolant change every 100k, no timeline. But gold/g05 is claimed to be good for 5-7 years. Ill change it again at 100k or in 2022 just because 40 bucks is a pretty cheap price to keep your engine from rotting from the inside.

 

[Rearanger]

What's wrong with THIS green stuff? ($9.88 per gal) I have always used Walmart SuperTech 5 year, no problems.

 

[Dirtman]

Its complicated. In a nutshell nothing is wrong with using any type of coolant (except dexcool). But some just last longer, and some do not mix safely. Old fashion green doesn't last long (there is modern hoat that is green) motorcraft gold is hoat and lasts 7-10 years so its cheaper in the long run vs old fashion green OAT.

Some seals are better with hoat, and more complex issues but essentially if you completely flush the system you can fill it with whatever you want. (Except dexcool).

Sticking with the original coolant is usually the safest option though...

 

[Rearanger]

Even though I use the 5 year SuperTech I do not let it go that long. Every two years I drain the rad and refill with fresh mix. The concentrate with adding distilled water makes it cheaper.

Don't want to get into an argument of distilled over de-ionized as distilled has worked for me without spending $$$ on ionized.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Its complicated. In a nutshell nothing is wrong with using any type of coolant (except dexcool). But some just last longer, and some do not mix safely. Old fashion green doesn't last long (there is modern hoat that is green) motorcraft gold is hoat and lasts 7-10 years so its cheaper in the long run vs old fashion green OAT.

Some seals are better with hoat, and more complex issues but essentially if you completely flush the system you can fill it with whatever you want. (Except dexcool).

Sticking with the original coolant is usually the safest option though...

I'll bite. Planned on refilling the 2.9s system with dexcool. Just incompatible with green, or??

 

[Dirtman]

Dexcool is incompatible with engines.