Changing Coolant From Motorcraft VC-7-B Gold To Plain Ole Prestone Ethylene Glycol

[morsetaper2]

Have done some coolant flushes over the years using the owners manual recommended Motorcraft VC-7-B "gold" colored coolant. In the past my brother could get it at his cost so cost was about the same as the generic plain ole green Prestone ethylene glycol stocked in Advance Auto. That has been used forever in cars and trucks.

But he can no longer get the VC-7-B economically for me. And it's time to do a coolant flush, as its overdue. So when I change out the plastic thermostat housing for the Simonz aluminum unit. I want to changeover to the green Prestone ethylene glycol mix.

Is there any reason not to do that? It's cheaper for me, that coolant is easier to get, can be found anywhere. Seems like a no-brainer for this nearly 15 yo 2011 Ranger w/ a 4.0 sohc V6?

And what is the easiest way to drain the block fully? In the past I've had to resort to several iterations of plain water changes, drive for awhile, repeat to get the system to drain clear. And even then I believe there was still a lot of coolant not drained from the block.

I would drain by the radiator lower petcock first. Then remove lower rad hose and by squeezing upper rad hose to try and get the last bit out. There does not seem to be a block drain like my old Toyota truck had. You have a better technique?

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Gold lasts longer. Especially with all the aluminum in a modern cooling system (block/heads/etc)

If you shop around it can all cost about the same, my F-150 uses the orange stuff (Dexcool) and it is within a couple bucks of the green stuff my '85 uses.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

I’ve used the “universal” orange stuff for years. Except for GM stuff, that, if it calls for DexCool, you need to use “death cool” or very bad things happen from my understanding.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I’ve used the “universal” orange stuff for years. Except for GM stuff, that, if it calls for DexCool, you need to use “death cool” or very bad things happen from my understanding.

Newer Fords call for it too, it works great.

 

[sgtsandman]

Look up the specifications for the coolant on the motorcraft website and see what aftermarket makes meet that standard. The coolant you are asking about may meet it or it may not. If the manufacturer's website says the coolant meets the standard(s) listed by Motorcraft, run with it.

 

[Shran]

Xerex G05 is the aftermarket replacement. $16/gallon at Walmart or Amazon.

Dexcool was a problem because people would leave it in for the life of the car and it would turn into nasty goo. Traditional green coolant doesn't do that. I don't buy into green coolant having a fixed lifespan. Maybe it does but I have never been able to say "yep, that old coolant caused that problem."

Still a good idea to change any of it, it's cheap insurance, just wish it was an easier process on most vehicles.

 

[Curious Hound]

Seems like I run into reasons to change coolant frequently enough to not worry about lifespan. Heater core replacement, hoses, water punps, leaky thermostat housings, etc. Something usually pops up that makes me drain, flush and refill fresh. I'm currently running Rotella ELC red coolant in both the Superduty and the Ranger.

 

[morsetaper2]

If you shop around it can all cost about the same, my F-150 uses the orange stuff (Dexcool) and it is within a couple bucks of the green stuff my '85 uses.

Best I can find it at is mid $30's per gallon concentrate at my local dealer. Rock Auto it's $33 shipped for 1 gallon, $55 shipped for two gallons. I'm all ears if there is a cheaper source?

I’ve used the “universal” orange stuff for years. Except for GM stuff, that, if it calls for DexCool, you need to use “death cool” or very bad things happen from my understanding.

Will look into this, Thanks!

Look up the specifications for the coolant on the motorcraft website and see what aftermarket makes meet that standard. The coolant you are asking about may meet it or it may not. If the manufacturer's website says the coolant meets the standard(s) listed by Motorcraft, run with it.

Good advice! Thanks!

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Best I can find it at is mid $30's per gallon concentrate at my local dealer. Rock Auto it's $33 shipped for 1 gallon, $55 shipped for two gallons. I'm all ears if there is a cheaper source?

Walmart, farm supply store, parts store... I don't buy anything at a dealer. It wouldn't be motorcraft but would meet the same spec.

 

[oldgeek]

Does the color matter if one is color blind?

(asking for a friend)

 

[Curious Hound]

Does the color matter if one is color blind?

(asking for a friend)

I believe the colors indicate different chemistries. So, read the specs and make sure it's compatible. You don't want to accelerate corrosion or buildup of sludge.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Does the color matter if one is color blind?

(asking for a friend)

Then defer to taste.















No seriously, don't do that

 

[sgtsandman]

I believe the colors indicate different chemistries. So, read the specs and make sure it's compatible. You don't want to accelerate corrosion or buildup of sludge.

Generally speaking, I believe you are correct. That does seem to be the general trend. Until you get to Honda coolant, they do their own thing with Honda blue and green. I also seem to remember one of the car companies using a purple colored coolant.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I also seem to remember one of the car companies using a purple colored coolant.

Stellantis

BTW is NOT grape flavored!

Not to be confused with violet which is what VW and some European companies use.