2007 Explorer question about coolant:

[Toyboy883]

I have a 2007 Explorer 2wd with a 4.0. The truck has 70k on it and I've only owned it for about a month now. I'm new to the Explorer owner forum and I am thinking of having my radiator flushed and filled to prepare for the winter. Now, I have read mixed reviews on whether to flush and fill or to drain and fill. I am not having any cooling issues but rather am doing this to just prepare for winter and I doubt the previous owner had it done. Anyway, I value all feedback and welcome it too....anxious to continue reading and visiting the forum. Thanks in advance.

 

[swshawaii]

Your call on the flush vs. drain. If the coolant appears reasonably clean, running fresh water through the system with the engine running and the heater maxed should suffice. Very important to use the recommended coolant. Rather than going to the dealer or searching for hard to find Motorcraft Gold, use Zerex G-05 approved by Ford and available at NAPA.

See pages 332-355
http://www.fordservicecontent.com/Ford_Content/catalog/owner_guides/07expog2e.pdf

Zerex G-05
http://www.valvoline.com/products/brands/zerex/antifreeze/42#

 

[Ornery]

Gawd, one more thing to drain my wallet:

How often should I change my antifreeze?​

Every car I own is probably due. Thanks for the Zerex info.

 

[swshawaii]

Manual shows every 100,000 miles or 5 years, exceptions and special operating conditions included. Coolant is one of the few things you can check condition visually. Rust= BAD. Unmixed Zerex G-05 costs between $15-$17 per gallon at NAPA.

(Pages 37-46-48)
http://www.fordservicecontent.com/Ford_Content/catalog/owner_guides/06frdmg3e.pdf

 

[Toyboy883]

Thanks for the info. Begat is the ratio to mix it at. I will also pick up some distiller water. Thanks in advance.

 

[swshawaii]

Copyrighted material. Deleted links.

Cooling System Draining, Filling and Bleeding (pdf)

Cooling System Flushing (pdf)