Going to actually change the coolant now

[1995E]

After doing some research, I've decided to actually change my coolant.

It's been 5 years and I've done 46K miles with a bunch of road trips. I was originally going to put in Motorcraft Orange coolant in the car but I probably should stick to my Specialty Green coolant (Since my MY was 2011 before 7/11/11) since I don't know if the seals are different. Another thing that I am worried about is cavitation if the water pump is designed to the specific fluid. I don't know if the waterpumps are the same or not. If they are, I'll just change it to orange after 5 years. My main questions are, do I need to use a coolant flush if I am going to completely change my coolant or is that not necessary?

I have already bought the coolants. The prediluted orange for 1 gallon was around 13 - 14 dollars and the concentrated specialty green was around 30 dollars a gallon from the Ford Parts department at Koons Ford.

Just as a reference, I found all these sources about the coolants. Dexcool is the same as the Orange coolant if my research says anything. Is that true?

This is the list of the coolants:

https://www.fordparts.com/Products/Chemicals-EngineProducts-Coolants.aspx
which is:

Motorcraft Orange Coolant:
"Use when Ford Specifications WSS-M97B44-D2 or WSS-M97B44-D are specified"
"Meets or exceeds the requirements of WSS-M97B44-D2, GMW 3420 (superseded GM 6277M) and ASTM D 3306"

http://content.valvoline.com/pdf/zerex_dex_cool.pdf
"ZerexÒ DEX-COOL®
5/150 antifreeze coolant meets
or exceeds the following coolant specifications:
ASTM D3306 Ford WSS-M97B44-D
SAE J1034, J814 Saab, Opel Approved
SAE J1941 Navistar CEMS B-1 Type IIIA
TMC of the ATA
RP - 302B
GM 6277M DEX-COOL® Approved"

I am assuming the specialty orange is the same as dexcool so is it safe to just buy Dexcool and use that?

Here's the info I found for Specialty Green coolant which similar to this:

http://content.valvoline.com/pdf/zerex_asian_vehicle.pdf
"Hyundai / Kia MS 591-08
Toyota / Scion / Lexus
Honda / Acura
Nissan / Infinity
Mitsubishi ES-X64217
Subaru
Mazda / Ford WSS-M97B55-A
Suzuki
Isuzu
Dae Woo
Daihatsu
JIS K2234-1994
ASTM D3306
ASTM D4985
SAE J1034, SAE J814, SAE J1941
Federal Specification A-A-870A"

The only difference is that I found was that the Specialty Green has phosphates while the Orange has no phosphates. Both are free of silicates. So the Specialty Green is hybrid OAT and the Dexcool is a full on OAT.

http://www.motorcraft.com/servlet/B...here=1249081817307&blobcol=urlblob&blobkey=id

I found this article very helpful in explaining the differences: http://www.machinerylubrication.com/Read/841/coolant-fundamentals

 

[blwnsmoke]

Being you are only at 46k, I would just do a simple drain and fill if you really want to change it. There really is no need at 46k but to each their own.

I know in the diesel world, we can'talk use a flush machine on the Powerstroke because the thermostat is closed till about 285 degrees. So all we can do is a drain and refill or we have to take apart a bunch of coolant the lines, run the truck in neutral to pump it all out once it is up to temp.

Most just do drain and fills... you will get 90% of it out IMO.

 

[omar302]

As far as I know, you should use the same coolant filled from the factory. Since yours had Dark Green, you should use Dark Green only.

https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=432302

https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=432302