Ford Escort (1983 - 1990) - 1989 1.6 Changing coolant

Honest John Back Room » Technical matters
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Tue 8 Jul 2008 17:55
1989 1.6 Changing coolant - ripley
We have a ford escort 1989 auto 1.6. Only done 63,000 miles coolant last changed over 10 years ago. There is no discolouration but Ford no longer makes coolant we used. Ours is dark blue in coolant tank. I read new coolant from Ford isn't suitable for old models. Can anyone advise? Thanks!
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Tue 8 Jul 2008 19:38
1989 1.6 Changing coolant - mfarrow
I shouldn't see why any modern coolant shouldn't be able to cope with the comparatively low-tech CVH engine. Where did you here that you can't use the modern equivalent? Ford?

The topics been discussed in the past and I think Halfords came out as a safe bet if you're planning to use 5-year red coolant, which you might as well do if you're planning to keep the car long-term.

Remember to flush thoroughly.
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Tue 8 Jul 2008 22:14
1989 1.6 Changing coolant - ripley
Thanks for infor and reassurance. I read that cautionary tale about new coolant on a ford forum. I can't remember the tech details but it was to do with advanced additives (?) in coolant. A member said his escort (a year older than ours) hadn't been the same since changing the coolant.
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