2008 Focus with metal particles in the coolant!

[demarpaint]

I agree with Bill, the worst case is it is from the mfg process, and harmless! Besides in the cooling system it won't wipe an engine out like metal in oil would. IMO it indicates nothing. In fact I was going to say the tech could have tweaked your coolant to get your attention. Obviously if he did it sure worked. If you are really concerned flush it yourself and go on enjoying your Ford. JMO

 

[bradepb]

I would not worry either, when I worked at Ford dealers I was told many new cars come with sealant added from the factory, I might do a flush, but then again maybe its supposed to be in there, you would think that the dealer tech would know what it should look like however.
I wouldnt worry to much but I would like to know what you find out from Ford

 

[mechtech2]

There is also the possibility that they are some sort of sealant additive.

A good flush with fresh coolant should be performed by them for free.
And an extended water pump warranty should be talked about.
The seals and blade may be compromised.

What caused it? Stuff in the coolant when filling it, or particulate matter in the engine.
Maybe water pump parts .

 

[pzev]

Those flakes are simply silicates from the coolant.
I should take a snap of my coolant pressure tank. I have taken the thing off the car twice to clean it, and every time the silicate flakes come back. My car just passed 95k miles with no cooling system issues.
The flakes are absolutely nothing to worry about. They are simply a side effect of GO5 in our application. In the new foci Ford switched to the mazda green coolant, and one of my theories is that pressure tank appearance was one of the factors motivating the switch.

I haven't heard of such issues in other applications using G05, but its solid reputation leads me to believe this is just a cosmetic issue in our cars.

I have flushed my entire system twice in my car's lifetime, and what you'll find is the flakes tend to congregate in the expansion tank. In my car, they love clinging to the walls of the thing forming a scaly buildup. You do get some loose flakes in the flushed coolant, but most of them stay in the pressure tank. For the record, the flushed flakes look exactly like what was originally posted.

In my honest opinion you have nothing to worry about. The cooling system on the focus is not known for having any serious issues, especially in later models. Don't worry about it.

 

[dishdude]

Every cooling system I have ever seen has some sediment in it. What harm could it possible do? Unless they are rocks that will stop the impeller on a pump driven by the timing belt, I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[Camu Mahubah]

Originally Posted By: pzev
Those flakes are simply silicates from the coolant.
I should take a snap of my coolant pressure tank. I have taken the thing off the car twice to clean it, and every time the silicate flakes come back. My car just passed 95k miles with no cooling system issues.
The flakes are absolutely nothing to worry about. They are simply a side effect of GO5 in our application. In the new foci Ford switched to the mazda green coolant, and one of my theories is that pressure tank appearance was one of the factors motivating the switch.

I haven't heard of such issues in other applications using G05, but its solid reputation leads me to believe this is just a cosmetic issue in our cars.

I have flushed my entire system twice in my car's lifetime, and what you'll find is the flakes tend to congregate in the expansion tank. In my car, they love clinging to the walls of the thing forming a scaly buildup. You do get some loose flakes in the flushed coolant, but most of them stay in the pressure tank. For the record, the flushed flakes look exactly like what was originally posted.

In my honest opinion you have nothing to worry about. The cooling system on the focus is not known for having any serious issues, especially in later models. Don't worry about it.


Thanks so much guys I didn't loose any sleep last nite thanks...

 

[mechtech2]

I've seen bunches of old coolant with silicates dropped out of suspension.
Never did they look like small and large metallic particles.

 

[Propflux01]

Well, I beleive all the people who said 'sediment/silicates. But since that ford serviceman seemed 'concerned', then I would go ahead and let him change it out---at FORD's expense!

 

[Vizzy]

Originally Posted By: Tim H.
Well, I beleive all the people who said 'sediment/silicates. But since that ford serviceman seemed 'concerned', then I would go ahead and let him change it out---at FORD's expense!


Indeed!

It's unfortunate but it is really a gamble when you take your car into the dealer thesedays to service it. Most are trying to make up for the loss in profit on the new car sales side and I would bet that the service will try any trick they can to get your to fork over your money...Hopefully that sediment isn't harmful to your cooling system, I doubt it is ...but why not let the dealer flush and refill your car on their dime since the car IS under warranty!!!