changing ford antifreeze

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Tue 24 Sep 2002 14:51
changing ford antifreeze - ajsdoc
I'm just coming to do the 60,000 mile service on my 1998 Mondeo 1.8LX and was thinking of changing the coolant. However, my handbook says this is not necessary as Ford's coolant will last the life of the car.
Any opinions on whether I should change it or not?
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Tue 24 Sep 2002 15:44
changing ford antifreeze - Andy22
don't know about ford's but radiators can be worn by poor or old antifreeze, on my PUG anyway!
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Tue 24 Sep 2002 15:44
changing ford antifreeze - Chas{P}
What colour is the antifreeze?

If it is the later orange OAT (Organic Additive Technology) coolant then it has a long life of 10 years or 150000 miles. However if it is Blue/Green in colour it is the earlier type that should be changed every 4 years.

Having said that if the coolant looks dirty/cloudy it won't harm to change it using a good quality antifreeze coolant. The recommended mix is 50% for all Fords.

Cost of the special OAT coolant in 1 litre bottles (Part No 1057615) from the dealer should be £4.02 inc VAT. You will need 3 litres assuming your car is manual.

HTH

Charles
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Tue 24 Sep 2002 17:22
changing ford antifreeze - ajsdoc
Thanks,

The anti-freeze is blue so it sound as though I should crack on and change it. I may try the "long-life" coolant on replacement although I remain sceptical about longer interval oil/coolant/brake fluid/etc. changes.

Andy.
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Tue 24 Sep 2002 20:02
changing ford antifreeze - Carl2
My Escort hand book also states this. Yet the antifreeze is blue . I know this is the original antifreeze or at least it was until I changed it . When I asked for some more of the same I was given the blue antifreeze which clearly has a limited life . I was given a look of amazement when I qouted the handbook. I was told this it do you want it or not.
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Tue 24 Sep 2002 20:15
changing ford antifreeze - Ian (Cape Town)
I normally do the Opel every 1 year or so - empty, stick the garden hose in, run a flush through the system, drain, hose again, then fill up with 50/50 mixture.
Also keep a bottle of 50/50 in the boot for topping up - and make sure you bleed the system properly!
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Tue 24 Sep 2002 22:55
changing ford antifreeze - Dynamic Dave
Ford's coolant will last the life of the car.


The coolant will still do its work and protect the water from freezing, it's the corrosion inhibitors that deteriorate over a period of time. IMHO, best to change every 3 years.
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