Coolant

[T_bone1]

I plan to change the engine coolant in my new-to-me 2008 Ford..The stuff in there looks pink or orange..Was wondering which coolant to use and how much..We have done a lot to this machine since we got it.Grease front end and change all oils in gen and engine,haven't done the differential yet.We were very disappointed in the machine at first but are getting it more to our liking.The dealer was not real up front about things,but it is my fault,I looked it over and we decided yes..Was sort of on a rush deal because they fooled around too long ..So it is my baby now....I really like the upgrades to the Ford chassis,like that powerful V-10 and that transmission is really nice..

[T_bone1]

Is the trans fluid in the park brake Mercon??

[chuckftboy]

Just changed mine last spring. The F-53 uses a HOAT antifreeze. You can get it from a Ford dealer, Chyrsler uses it too. I think I found in Zerox brand and they called it A-5 or somthing like that You shouldn't mix it with regular antifreeze or Dexcool which is an OAT antifreeze. When I bought it, Ford had the best price. My chassis used 12 quarts, 6 anti freeze and 6 distilled water.

[ljr869]

The coolant in a 2008 Ford should be kind of gold.

[John_Wayne]

When greasing don't forget to check the trans fluid level in the e-brake unit on the end of the transmission. Be a good time to flush the brake fluid also. Fords also like to have the metal surfaces on the brake caliper and cradle lubed also. Heck while your under there change the fuel filter also.

[cdl2]

T bone said he has a Ford V 10......I figured it was a gasser.
My Safari Cat had the extended life antifreeze.

[time2roll]

OP has a Ford gasoline V-10.

[wolfe10]

cdl2 wrote:
I'd never use the extended life anti freeze!!!

Interesting. Both Cat and Cummins recommend it as a maintenance-free alternative to testing and replenishing SCA in regular "low silicate for diesel with added SCA" coolant.

[cdl2]

I'd never use the extended life anti freeze!!!

[T_bone1]

I will go to parts store and choose two gallons and finish it off with distilled water..Thanks for input..

[hooligan]

Here are the various coolants and normal color. No way to tell them apart.

Coolant Comparison

[T_bone1]

I was just wondering if Ford had their own special anti freeze nowadays ,like GM does.and how much it holds.

[wolfe10]

Color is not really a good indicator of chemistry. Said another way, there is no "color code" that all coolant manufacturers adhere to.

Best advice is if you don't know what is in there and/or how old it is, CHANGE IT! Coolant is cheap compared with water pump, engine, radiator, etc.

[Passin_Thru]

Pink could be Caterpillar extended life. Don't change it. Have it tested, it may need a bottle of additive but not changed. It's about $20/gal and last 300K mi.