Pre owned 2012 XLT EL with Pink Coolant

[tangomike7]

WTF is in this truck I just bought? RV antifreeze?

 

[tangomike7]

Freeze point is actually -22 F, added distilled water to top off, it's Pink! Manual and reserve cap call for Specialty Orange. Smells horrible like it has bacterial contamination.

 

[toms89]

RV antifreeze that I am thinking of for potable water systems is not designed as a coolant. Just safe for drinking water plumbing, non toxic and does not freeze.

Looks like ford has a variety of coolants and colors for identification. But like you I am familiar with the old school flourescent green.

Motorcraft® Engine Cooling System Products and Engine Coolants

 

[tojohnso]

You have a 2012, what are you concerned about the coolant for? Shouldn't need to touch that for years.

 

[dariod]

You have a 2012, what are you concerned about the coolant for? Shouldn't need to touch that for years.

Is it years or miles? I have 2011 with over 100K miles. How many years are you talking about for coolant change?

 

[tojohnso]

Considering most people travel between 10K and 20K miles/year, that would be between 5 and 10 years. You have 100K on a 2011? Geese man - that's way too much driving!

 

[mrford60]

pink is normal color for 2012 fords antifreeze

 

[dariod]

Considering most people travel between 10K and 20K miles/year, that would be between 5 and 10 years. You have 100K on a 2011? Geese man - that's way too much driving!

I bought it to drive it not to look at it.

 

[tojohnso]

I bought it to drive it not to look at it.

Wow

 

[tangomike7]

The hydrometer said the anti freeze is good (-22F). What I'm worried about is anti corrosion. It's obviously pink (and not motorcraft specialty orange) and therefore non OEM mystery fluid. Should I do a flush and fill? 2012 with 30k miles? I don't know if the previous owner (small time car rental company with no maintenance records) used something weird. I am nervous that the chevy dealer that sold it to me 30 days ago will only drain and fill and not do a true flush if I bark and complain, also, if I take it to a ford dealer my warranty will be voided for non OEM fluid on the power train. Anyone know where the engine block drain ***** are (not radiator)?

 

[tojohnso]

pink is normal color for 2012 fords antifreeze

Not sure where you heard that - from the Owners manual:

"Motorcraft Specialty
Orange Engine Coolant"