Extended Life Coolant???

[d.austin86]

My father has a 2002 F350 7.3 w/ just over 100k. Thinking of changeing the coolant from regular green to a Castrol red 50/50 blend extended life coolant. Is this recommended?

If so any suggestions on how to flush it all out because Im pretty sure you shouldnt blend the two. Thanks

[d.austin86]

Anybody have anything?

[JK23112]

Why not just keep the same type of stuff {Prestone green, etc.} in the truck and simply change it more frequently? Nothing wrong with sticking with the OEM coolant, since that was what came in it from the factory.

You are right about "mixing" them, however. I have a 2004 Chevy Silverado that has the GM Dexcool in it. I had it flushed out back in March, but had it filled again with the same stuff. Why bother to change what is specified for it and take a chance on mixing two chemicals together that will break down each other?

Just my $0.02 on this issue.

[John316]

I have a rig with a Detroit Diesel S60 in it. Book says to not run regular green in it, because it can cause serious damage.

So with the PSD, I would recommend that you look and see what the Ford specs are. Then follow the specs to what they call for.

FWIW

John

[ju015dd]

Go to inernational and get the fleetrite elc and never look back.

[d.austin86]

Thanks for the insight guys!

I really appreciate it.

[nydiver]

Get a coolant filter added on to it and add even more life to the motor, water pump, and the coolant.

For the flush, add one of those $5 prestone flush kits from the auto parts store and flush the snot out of it, follow the directions at least twice to really clean it out, and replace all your water hoses and thermostat while your at it.

[NoRalPh]

There are drain plugs in the block you might want to remove to get a good flush. You're right, Any residual green coolant will react with the new and cause problems...

btw,,, are you sure it's green now? My '02 350 looked like it could have been green in the degas bottle but turned-out not to be. As I remember, all 02s made in KY came with the extended coolant (FORDs Gold sucks use Rotella or Fleetright or something else). Check by VIN for what it came with, either way 9yrs/100K, it's time!

[melmount]

check the nitrate levels, very important. even if its in the new coolant check it. Dont trust it til you get test strips. They are cheap.

[d.austin86]

I have heard that. I am going to get some test strips from NAPA on tuesday when I go back to work.

Does the coolant filter help with electrolysis? I have seen people put them on the PSD's but I wasn't sure exactly why?