Riptide

How long is the Ford coolant good for? Mileage/years?

Also, mine is just slightly below the cold fill level. Problem or do I need to add some?

Art161

Ford says 6 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first, for the factory fill. Then 3 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first.

If the level is below the cold fill line, then add a 50/50 mix of coolant and distilled water. Keep an eye on the reservoir to check that the level is not dropping.

Riptide

Thanks. I'm not sure why the level seems to have fallen slightly. I don't see any evidence of leaks or smell burnt coolant after a drive.

I would like to top it off a bit but the manual (IIRC) says specifically not to use anything but the Ford gold coolant if you are topping off the factory fill. I can't just put prestone 50/50 in there. Guess I'll see how much the dealer wants for some of the Ford stuff tomorrow.

vasman

Just do not put orange stuff. Do the 50/50 prestone. As far as distilled water is concerned, I heard it is not good for aluminium radiators. So people that know for sure what the story is please chime in.

Art161

The Owner's Guide says to use a 50/50 mixture of engine coolant and distilled water. I would certainly be interested in the theory as to how distilled water could harm an aluminum radiator.

Nuke

It's possible that the cooler weather has caused a little... "shrinkage". You know what I mean. I DO know that it just caused some havoc on my SUV's TPMS. Darn spare must have been borderline and now dropped 1/2 PSI below the threshold with these cooler Chicago burb temps.