2 Years and 75K - change or no?

[CarbonSteel]

My FX4 just rolled 75K, Ford recommends 105K (or 6 years) for the initial change and 45K (or 3 years) thereafter. I tow fairly frequently in hot temperatures, knowing that would you wait for the 105K or change it now? It uses Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant.

Thoughts welcome...

 

[AVB]

I think with only 2 years on it it should be good for another year or 2. Might want to test it just to be sure or flush it if it makes you feel better. I think I would run it untill I had to make a cooling system repair or another 2 years which ever comes first.

 

[HTSS_TR]

Your coolant is good for another 30k miles.

 

[01rangerxl]

I wouldn't worry too much about it unless you see a lot of junk in the overflow tank. G-05 seems to be pretty robust.

I'm pretty sure my truck still has some of the G-05 factory fill, which is now 10 years old with 120K miles. I have done two radiator drain and fills, which doesn't even change 1/2 of the coolant. Never drained the block. Temp is still stable and monitored with a Scangauge, and I tow a trailer (roughly 2000 lbs.) multiple times a week.

 

[Colt45ws]

Youll be fine.

 

[edwardh1]

why would towing affect coolant?
seems atf might be affected tho

 

[BISCUT]

It's coolant and you are able to do the change yourself so cost is negligable and we're talking an hour or less of your time. I'd change it and sleep well!

Armada in my sig is good for 60-70k and I'll be doing it in Sept around 42k miles. Every 2 years with the extended coolant is OCI I know but for me, small insurance to keep my water pump/radiator smilin!

 

[JHZR2]

Youre OK

 

[01rangerxl]

Originally Posted By: edwardh1
why would towing affect coolant?
seems atf might be affected tho


The engine is working harder and running at higher RPM, especially with overdrive off. If the coolant had gone bad and gunked up the cooling system, I'd know it by now. It's not so much that the towing causes the coolant to degrade as much as it is towing requires coolant that's in good shape.

ATF stays pretty stable, at least in my truck, in part since the trans runs cooler when it's locked out of overdrive. Neither engine or trans has ever been close to overheating.

 

[dishdude]

Correct me if I am wrong, but I thought the main reason for changing coolant was a change in PH and loss of rust inhibitors. Both of these occur over time and not mileage so I would wait until 105k.

 

[Greggy_D]

I'd go one more year.

 

[Turk]

I would change it now; especially if you plan on keeping the vehicle a long time...

 

[johnsmellsalot]

Originally Posted By: dishdude
Correct me if I am wrong, but I thought the main reason for changing coolant was a change in PH and loss of rust inhibitors. Both of these occur over time and not mileage so I would wait until 105k.
+1