New Coolant Recommendations for 1987 2.9L V6

[RolandTrafton]

Hey guys, I just bought a 1987 Ford Ranger as a project to learn on. It’s got a bad thermostat (stuck open at the moment), and so when I replace it I plan on just putting brand new coolant in it.

Any recommendations?

For what it’s worth, I’m in California and it can get up to 100 degrees.

 

[Dirtman]

Whatever is cheap...

 

[sheep herder]

It can get up to 100 degrees all over the US. CA is not unique in high temps. Plain old green antifreeze will do fine.

 

[RonD]

Yes, use silicate based Green coolant, whatever is on sale, 50/50 mix

You need to change it every two years

Also reverse the heater hoses at the firewall now, and then again in 2 years when you change coolant, it will keep heater core cleaner and make it last longer

 

[gaz]

RolandT:

If it is new to you, a new water pump and belt are pretty inexpensive "preventative" measures. Gates puts out a reliable pump and hoses.

Inspect your hoses, if there is any question, replace them now; I like Gates and Goodyear Hi-miler blue silicone hoses. I always use 2 clamps on each end.

It is often overlooked but a new radiator cap is a SOLID inexpensive move.

While it is apart, it may be worth your time to thoroughly clean your overflow reservoir, they get hard to see through. Those thermostat housing can have some casting/flashing it is worth a quick buzz or pass with some light sandpaper to illuminate that while it's apart.

 

[19Walt93]

Either buy premixed or use distilled water to mix your own, it's worth the price difference.

 

[sgtsandman]

Yes. Don’t use tap water. You want mineral free (distilled) water to prevent deposit build up.

I prefer premixed. No guessing on getting the mixture right. Most people need 50/50 with 60/40 in certain circumstances.

 

[bcschief]

Actually distilled is bad (mineral hungry) use regular tap water not well water. I prefer a GO5 antifreeze (Ford Gold) 50/50 mix and premix is an expensive way to buy antifreeze. Also remove the drain plugs from both sides of your block and flush your cooling system and heater core. A new cap and thermostat are also a good idea although both could be tested and confirmed to be good.

 

[RonD]

Actually distilled is bad (mineral hungry) use regular tap water not well water. I prefer a GO5 antifreeze (Ford Gold) 50/50 mix and premix is an expensive way to buy antifreeze. Also remove the drain plugs from both sides of your block and flush your cooling system and heater core. A new cap and thermostat are also a good idea although both could be tested and confirmed to be good.

Bad advice on the tap water
Distilled water is recommended because tap water varies by location
Distill water has no minerals, so is different than "bottled water" which has minerals ADDED
Minerals are "salts" and you know what salts do to metal, and engine is made of metal............well enough said on that

Adding a bit of tap water to top up a cooling system is not going to cause an issue, but if you are making your own 50/50 mix then use distilled water


Gold or yellow coolant is HOAT(hybrid organic acid technology), and is fine to use in any cooling system, generally lasts 5+ years, but I would change it at least every 6 years

Problem with older vehicles is you WILL have cooling system issues, i.e. broken hoses, water pump or radiator issues
So chances of getting 5 or 6 years without having to drain the system or losing a bunch of coolant on the road are slim to none, lol
So if your vehicle is 15 years old or more , the green silicate based coolant is probably the better economical choice even though you would have to change it every 2 years

+1 on draining as much coolant as you can and flushing the system, and getting a new rad cap
New Thermostat is a judgement call but not an expensive part to change while cooling system is already drained

 

[bcschief]

Read this please https://www.hyperlube.com/blog/blog/why-you-should-never-use-distilled-water-in-your-cooling-system/

 

[sheep herder]

They're selling a product. Of course what they recommend is going to be better.

 

[bcschief]

And this http://www.sancarlosradiator.com/VoltageDrop/flush.htm Click the education link for more info.

 

[RonD]

If its on the internet it must be true, lol

Joking

Yes, everyone has their opinion and all are valid, but in this case I will go with what I know about the science of it

 

[bcschief]

As is your info

 

[RonD]

Then we can agree