Coolant acidity?

For sure, manufacturers recommend coolant changes but they don't say why. They also recommend using only their tires and oils...but many don't. This is just something I learned and I know that there are many in the same category.

Gary Haupt

2 year coolant flushes? Must own a radiator shop.
I’m in construction. I reccomend a person replace the roof on their house every 5 years.....

HA ... I can remember my first 'very used' vehicle ... 1952 Ford V8 Flathead.

Just lift the hood, and you could see everything in it - and if it needed a repair, you could actually reach in and remove/replace whatever. Changed my oil, replaced the plugs, or whatever it needed when it 'broke' ...

Now, lift the hood, shake my head, and call the Chevy Dealer for appointment...

OK, interesting topic, I have to admit. I don't check my coolant ... not in the last 30 years. Why you ask? Well ... simple. I absolutely hate working on engines and gasoline motors. And I do believe in servicing on schedule. So I take mine to my brand dealer for oil changes and general maintenance. Yea, it may cost a little, but I never have worries this way.

I just had an oil change, oil filter, fuel filter, Deferential flush, Transmission flush, all fluids checked, and even batteries tested on my Dually (just last week) ... at the tune of ... well ... expensive! Yea it costs. But ... I don't have any worries this way!

I am forced to add my own DEF .... which I hate doing, but I do it! Anything else... well ... face it ... that engine has so much stuff and so much electronics on it ... I look under the hood and just shake my head! And then I realize why it cost me $54,000 for that beast!

Cobra21 wrote:
Each anti freeze has their own life span. GM uses Dex Cool, I think it had a 10 year 100,00 mile life. They state it on the container and should be followed or yes they can turn acidic. They used to make a can of water pump lube that would neutralize your antifreeze to keep it from turning acidic.

DexCool meets the Ford specs for 6.7 diesel engines, same stuff at 1/3 of the Ford price. Ford does have an additive to revitalize the coolant, or just change it out and be good for years to come.

Of course, always read the manual.

Each anti freeze has their own life span. GM uses Dex Cool, I think it had a 10 year 100,00 mile life. They state it on the container and should be followed or yes they can turn acidic. They used to make a can of water pump lube that would neutralize your antifreeze to keep it from turning acidic. I have also seen radiator hoses and heater hoses last 20 years, they were on my motorhome and seemed to be in good shape when I retired them a couple years ago.
Brian

Sometimes people buy used vehicles that the dealer throws the manual in the trash and the new owner has no data to follow, this is general if the manual is available by all means use the correct intervals and use the recomended coolant brand an oils.

navegator

navegator wrote:
Radiator coolant should be replaced every two years and use distilled water when toping off, it does deteriorate with time and heat, radiators will calsify and plug, if you live near salt water the radiarors will corrode to the point that you can run your finger down a row and have nothing but flakes, all coolant hoses should be replaced from 4 to 6 years dependig on where you live and type of commuting, hoses tend to rot from inside out and pin holes appear where they flex as the engine moves or rocks on the motor mounts when toque is applied.

navegator

Much too general of a statement given the various engines and THEIR coolant requirements.

My Cummins 5.9L....
Change coolant at 5 yrs OR 100,000 miles and that is with the HOAT G-05 Coolant




Best to check in that Owners Manual for specified type and interval for changing VS general internet info or youtube vids

Best advice is to use ONLY coolant (and other fluids) that meet your manufacturer's specs, and to change it at the recommended intervals or even more frequently.

Then you don't have to worry about what some person on Youtube says.

Some vehicles have weak points and fluids that are especially critical---one example being Hondas and tranny fluid. Never exceed the recommended change interval on a Honda or Acura, and never use anything but OEM fluid. You will find out quickly that it is a bad idea.

DO NOT USE JUST ANY COOLANT IN A FORD 6.7, you will pay the price!

There is a reason you have a check coolant coming on at 20K that needs to be reset. The 6.7 requires special coolant that needs to be tested every 20K. otherwise it will begin to attack seals and even eat the blades off the water pump. So far I have found only one aftermarket coolant that meets the Ford spec.