What the heck type of coolant to use? (Kia Optima)

[01rangerxl]

Originally Posted By: GumbyJarvis
My Favorite was always zerex

THOUGH,

G05 was recommended for my 2.3L Ford Ranger 2005
Asian Zerex was recommended for the 2.3L Mazda Truck 2005

I found it funny that pretty much the same engine had 2 different recommendations

it got Zerex Asian last, was cheaper at NAPA than the g-05



Curious to know where you saw that recommendation? Was it from Valvoline/Zerex? My guess is, Valvoline just assumed one spec for all 2005 Mazdas.

Those engines are not pretty much the same, they are exactly the same. All those trucks rolled off the same two assembly lines (Edison, NJ; Twin Cities, MN).

I am assuming Ford filled them with G-05 from the factory. I doubt they would buy a separate fluid for one model with very low production numbers that was mechanically the same as another model using G-05. The Zerex Asian is probably perfectly fine, but I am betting G-05 is the actual coolant Mazda specified for them.

Would be interesting to see what a 2005 B-Series owner's manual says.

 

[Smcatub]

Originally Posted By: 01rangerxl


Would be interesting to see what a 2005 B-Series owner's manual says.


Page 219:

Adding engine coolant
Use only Mazda Genuine Engine Coolant or a premium engine
coolant that meets a Mazda specification.
• DO NOT USE Extended Life Engine Coolant (orange in color).
• DO NOT USE a DEX-COOL engine coolant or an equivalent
engine coolant.
• DO NOT USE alcohol or methanol antifreeze or any engine
coolants mixed with alcohol or methanol antifreeze.

http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/pdf/manuals/2005TruckOM.pdf

It doesn't really say much more than that, except that the service schedule lists one mileage for 'Green' and one for 'Yellow'

 

[01rangerxl]

Originally Posted By: Smcatub
Originally Posted By: 01rangerxl


Would be interesting to see what a 2005 B-Series owner's manual says.


Page 219:

Adding engine coolant
Use only Mazda Genuine Engine Coolant or a premium engine
coolant that meets a Mazda specification.
• DO NOT USE Extended Life Engine Coolant (orange in color).
• DO NOT USE a DEX-COOL engine coolant or an equivalent
engine coolant.
• DO NOT USE alcohol or methanol antifreeze or any engine
coolants mixed with alcohol or methanol antifreeze.

http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/pdf/manuals/2005TruckOM.pdf

It doesn't really say much more than that, except that the service schedule lists one mileage for 'Green' and one for 'Yellow'


In the specification tables towards the end of the manual they just say use "Premium Engine Coolant." It looks like there are various types of Mazda Premium Engine Coolant.

This Tribute maintenance schedule I found while Googling indicates there is a Mazda "Premium Gold," which I would assume is the same as Motorcraft Premium Gold (G-05), and would be yellow in color. The note about Premium Gold is on the 150,000 mi maintenance schedule.
http://stg.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/pdf/maint_schedules/08_TributeH_MS.pdf

Mazda also sells "Mazda Mercon V" and other rebranded
Motorcraft fluids.