That darn Prestone!

[DanVB1]

Last spring I did the complete flush & fill on my Ranger, including changing all hoses, heater valve, pump (just as a precaution).
Used the Prestone “All makes and Models” extended life a/f.
Ever since, there has been a very slight wetness around the trans cooler fittings on the radiator. Ditto my 2000 ZX2, which had the same service!
I am wondering if this stuff is incompatible with the Ford seals. I also had to replace the heater valve again (after only 10K) since coolant was leaking from the valve shaft seal.
Any have any experience with this Prestone?

 

[AKBroncoII]

Same here. Filled my 91 explorer up cause it needed a little. Now leaks where the tank clamps to the core near the drain valve. Installed another. Leaks at the same spot. Needless to say I am not happy.

 

[fordboi415]

Let me start off by saying its not the prestone antifreeze it sounds like something was disassembled and then reassebled incorrectly, prestone isn't going to cause leaks it just a coolant

 

[DanVB1]

I beg to differ!
The corrosion inhibitor type has a great deal to do with materials compatibility in a given car - the engine, radiator, gaskets, seals, rubber, etc.
Evidently the seal for the trans cooler fitting is being effected by the Prestone chemicals.

 

[AKBroncoII]

How does pulling the radiator out and putting another in causing it to leak? Last time I checked changing a radiator isn't rocket science.

 

[fordboi415]

I've been running prestone in my ranger, my dad runs it in his E-150, F150, my ranchero, my moms F-150 and all the other fords we have, its not going to cause leaks, seals go bad, gaskets leak, a corrosion inhibitor in the coolant isn't going to eat anything, its called bad timing or a coincidence

 

[exbass94]

If it's leaking at the trans cooler fittings, wouldn't that be tranny fluid leaking, not the antifreeze?

 

[DanVB1]

The fittings are fastened to the plastic radiator tank with large nuts. There is a gasket or O-ring behind the nut.
The additives in the a/f can attack the cooling system materials if they are not compatible. There was a problem with the original DEXCOOL in cars not designed for it, but I think that problem has been solved.