Everything I see in Wally world is extended life that states it can be mixed with any other antifreeze in any engine. What gives? I have the green stuff in mine and don't find it around here. Can I or should I use this new stuff?

2000 EX 5.0 110kmi

 

I noticed that Prestone has a reformulated antifreeze that mixes with any type antifreeze. It's also been reformulated to be "phosphate free" which now meets the euro car standards. It's not the orange Dex Cool extended life, but is labeled "extended life".

 

How long has it been since you flushed the system? If it's been awhile, flush and replace all the coolant with new coolant. I personally don't like the 'extended life' coolants because I believe in flushing the system regularly. Just my 2 cents..

 

Been 2 yrs since the last change. I prefer to go with the green but it dosen't seem to be available anymore, everything is extended life. All the brands state for all systems. I don't think it's the same as the orange Dexcool.

 

i would use the motorcraft coolant. there are too many different types out there and from what i've read, you're not even supposed to use the yellow or orange extended life type of coolant in the explorers.

 

The difference came when the manufacturers went to aluminum and cast iron components. Put two different metals together, add a mildly acidic fluid with flow, you have a battery. I will at times stick a voltmeter lead into the radiator and ground to check---I've had up to 3 volts. The Dexcool and Motorcraft gold are formulated to prevent this.

 

The motorcraft GOLD is good good stuff.. I HIGHLY recommend it.

I like the prestone stuff too... I suspect it's close to the same thing as the motorcraft gold, but can't verify this. Also I like the gold color... if you don't get all the green stuff out, it turns green.. likewise with the orange dexcool, this way you avoid a brown, muddy color.

Just don't be surprised if it makes your coolant look weak.. it's just because of the color.

Good luck