What should I use?

[demarpaint]

My 08 Jeep calls for G-05 AF. I have searched high and low for it, everywhere and the closest I can find is Prestone, All Makes or something like that. On a recent trip to WA state I looked there and found the same thing no G-05 AF. I don't want to go to the dealer for it and pay their rip-off prices, but might not have a choice.

All I want to do is drain and replace one gallon, once a year, since the truck is fairly new to avoid flushing and refilling. This method has worked for over 21 years in my E-150 and the cooling system is as clean as the day I bought the van.

TIA
Frank D

 

[Colt45ws]

Have you tried a NAPA? You could also call or go to a Ford dealer and find out how much they want for their "Premium Gold" coolant. Dont use Prestone, IMHO.

 

[Turk]

What's the difference in the "rip-off" price?

Is it like $5? If so, just pay it, then go out for lunch 1 time less and bring in your lunch or whatever else.

There - the difference is recovered.

 

[demarpaint]

Originally Posted By: tpitcher
What's the difference in the "rip-off" price?

Is it like $5? If so, just pay it, then go out for lunch 1 time less and bring in your lunch or whatever else.

There - the difference is recovered.

I was quoted $30/gallon, and then told they didn't have it in stock. Then offered me the Prestone all makes for twice the price of any store, no thanks! A lot of the local Jeep Chrysler dealers are no longer around, and my guy is got axed. My guess at the time was he was reducing inventory. There are no NAPA stores in my area, and AAP and Auto Zone can't order it. If I can't find it I'll have to go to another dealer.

An extra $5 doesn't bother me.

 

[bullwinkle]

Any Valvoline distributor can get it, & ALL Ford dealers have it, sometimes cheaper than anybody. BITOG'ers don't let BITOG'ers get Dexcloned!!h

 

[Sayjac]

I agree that $30 is ridiculous. But, since you only want to do a radiator drain and refill I would say you should stick with the G-05. It is/has become, a PITA to find. I've used Prestone AM with no issues, but with a total flush.

You may have to bite the bullet and and pay for G-05. Ford dealer has the Gold for ~ $12 here. Amazon has it for $16.49 including shipping.

Don't know if that helps. Stick with some kind of G-05. Good luck.

 

[demarpaint]

If the Ford stuff is the same I'll check it out, $12 I can live with. Never thought of Amazon.com thanks!

Frank D

 

[ARCOgraphite]

Total flush the system, and use the inexpensive universal prestone or equivalent. The key is the total flush. Then you can get on a 2 year flush and refill secenario. As a green alternative, some have good luck running 100% propylene gly(no added h2o), depends on the heads and cyl design.

 

[demarpaint]

It's a Jeep 3.7L Liberty. I don't want to have any cooling system issues, or risk a warranty issue for using an alternate coolant. The one gallon/year anti-freeze swap has worked so well for me over the years I wanted to continue with the tradition. I see your point about the total flush, but would rather use the recommended stuff and do it the way I've done for years. I will consider it though! Thanks!

 

[JohnBrowning]

Totaly flush the system and use G-05 which Daimler Chrysler used and in all kinds of things for a while and Ford tested as well. It is not that hard to find and it will work very well. It can be used with tap water but I would anti-up for distilled since you can get distilled at Walmart for $.68 a gallon.

I am not saying you need to reverse flush this either. I would drain the block and the rad with their drain valves. I would fill with distilled water with valves closed and run until the heater started to kick out heat then I would drain the distilled water out. That should be good enough to get most of the stuff left behind out. Then I would refill useing the right mix of G-05 which Zerex makes and sells all over the place. You could also go with Amsoil coolant,Pentosin and a host of other's! I would avoid Dex-Cool and the All makes all models Dex-Clones like crazy! I have seen to many nasty photo's from engine remanufactures of unusable blocks due to Dex cool.

I do the same thing you do with my Toyota. Every spring I drain the Rad and the Reservoir and. The two combined on my Camry hold exactly 1 gallon of premixed Toyota Ultra Long Life which is their pink stuff. I refill and call it good. I have done that since new. Now I am doing it every 2 years mostly due to my hit and miss employment lately. My cooling system is so clean you would think it was right off the assembly line no films no build up of any kind.

 

[demarpaint]

Thanks for the advise John. I'm not sure where you live but I have been everywhere around here looking for it and can't find it. I will have to get it from either a Ford or Chrysler dealership. Most likely Ford since I won't pay Chrysler $30 for a gallon.