Coolant Change?

[speedemon]

I have my 2007 Explorer since new as the manufacture date is 4/07 and it's time for a coolant change since it's been 3 years with the original coolant. I looked at the Prestone site and it looks like they don't have a coolant that meets the Ford specs, but the Peak & Zerex both has the coolant that meets the (WSS-M97B51-A1) rating. Does anyone know what other brands are available other than these two brands? I'm assuming since they have the (WSS-M97B51-A1) rating that it would be safe to use which should be equivalent to the Ford Motorcraft® Premium Gold Engine Coolant correct? Let me know what you all are using which should be the Yellow colored coolant I'm hoping.

http://www.valvoline.com/products/brands/zerex/antifreeze/42

http://www.peakauto.com/antifreeze-peak-global_lifetime.shtml?reload

 

[autobahn]

Hi,
I´m in the same situation, 2007 Explorer and getting ready to change the coolant. Since (over here) I can´t get Fords´s Premium Gold or anything like it other than paying Ford Premium amounts of Euros, i´m going to use Prestone readymix.
I wouldn´t mix it with the Ford stuff, but I´m planning to do a very good flush of the system first.
How does the old coolant look on your Explorer? Is it still clear? and when you open the lid of the expansion tank, is there any buildup on the side walls of the tank?

 

[waskly]

6 years or 100,000 miles - change Premuim Gold coolant (whichever comes first)
❑ After initial change - change Premium Gold coolant every 3 years or 50,000 miles (see page 48)

this is from the owners manual. this is one reason vehicles now a day use gold coolant. that 3/30k is only for that horrible green coolant.

 

[speedemon]

Hi,
i´m going to use Prestone readymix.
I wouldn´t mix it with the Ford stuff, but I´m planning to do a very good flush of the system first.

Before you run out to buy that "Prestone readymix" coolant you might want to take a look at this:
http://www.paulmachenry.com/documents/CoolantFAQs.pdf


As it states:

"Universal" coolants generally do not contain silicates and nitrites, both of which are required for Ford vehicles equipped with Motorcraft® Premium Gold Engine Coolant. Thus, these "universal" coolants generally do not
meet Ford's coolant specification WSS-M97B51-A1.

6 years or 100,000 miles - change Premuim Gold coolant (whichever comes first)
❑ After initial change - change Premium Gold coolant every 3 years or 50,000 miles.

6 years or 100,000 miles, that's too long for me!

 

[shaker1]

Since you are concerned enough to change your coolant in 1/3 the recommended interval why not use what Ford recommends? A gallon of Ford Premium plus a gallon of distilled water should run around $20.

BTW, I have read that Zerex makes the Ford stuff.

I will change mine at 6 years, two more to go. Probably around the time the radiator fails again! LOL

 

[Lukas2009]

@autobahn

You may also ask that question in the German Explorer board.
At october, 15, there is also a board meeting with Explorer owners of the Cologne area.

Vist: www.explorer4x4.de

Best regards from Cologne,
Harald

 

[speedemon]

BTW, I have read that Xerex makes the Ford stuff.

I'm planning using the Zerex coolant, but I don't know about the Xerex.

 

[thebrakeman]

Old habits die hard.

 

[waskly]

Since you are concerned enough to change your coolant in 1/3 the recommended interval why not use what Ford recommends? A gallon of Ford Premium plus a gallon of distilled water should run around $20.

this.

 

[motorkingracing]

Antifreeze Coolants

Before you run out to buy that "Prestone readymix" coolant you might want to take a look at this:
http://www.paulmachenry.com/documents/CoolantFAQs.pdf


As it states:

"Universal" coolants generally do not contain silicates and nitrites, both of which are required for Ford vehicles equipped with Motorcraft® Premium Gold Engine Coolant. Thus, these "universal" coolants generally do not
meet Ford's coolant specification WSS-M97B51-A1.




6 years or 100,000 miles, that's too long for me!

I am the technical manager for Prestone. Our extended life coolant is entirely suitable for any Ford product. In fact, Ford is adopting OAT coolant technology across the board in 2011. Why? Because it is far superior to any HOAT, P-Hoat or old style silicated coolant in todays market. We meet or exceed all ASTM standards for freeze/boiling points and corrosion protection. Using Prestone Extended Life coolant WILL NOT void any factory powertrain warranty. The document referenced by paulmchenry is a Ford advertisemnt, if you dig down into it, the Ford "standard" we didnt meet is for coolant color, nothing else. We exceed all Ford performance standards for coolants. In addition, we nor Peak claim to be "Universal" coolants. There is no such thing as a universal coolant. Our extended life coolant is suitable for all modern passenger cars, Our HD Coolant is suitable for all modern diesel engines. We back up our claims on the bottle with millions of miles of fleet testing as well as being one of the largest suppliers of coolants to automotive OE's.

 

[JerryP]

Been using Preston Extended Life in my '06. No problems to date. Time will tell. On second change. Antifreeze is too cheap not to change regularly.

That would be like the people who only change oil filter every other oil change.