Proper Coolant?

[JAMADOR]

I have noticed that my fan is running more than I think.It should be.So I want to top up the coolant, and want to make sure I get the right one.
I'm assuming a motorcraft would be a safe bet?
Or is any orange option good to go?

 

[GixxerJasen]

I have noticed that my fan is running more than I think.It should be.So I want to top up the coolant, and want to make sure I get the right one.
I'm assuming a motorcraft would be a safe bet?
Or is any orange option good to go?

Your online manual says the following:

Engine coolant (U.S. and Mexico): Motorcraft® Yellow Prediluted Antifreeze/Coolant VC-13DL-G WSS-M97B57-A2
Engine coolant (Canada): Motorcraft® Yellow Prediluted Antifreeze/Coolant CVC-13DL-G WSS-M97B57-A2

https://www.fordservicecontent.com/Ford_Content/vdirsnet/OwnerManual/Home/Content?variantid=4740&languageCode=en&countryCode=USA&Uid=G1886438&ProcUid=G1906157&userMarket=USA&div=f&vFilteringEnabled=False&buildtype=web

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

I have noticed that my fan is running more than I think.It should be.So I want to top up the coolant, and want to make sure I get the right one.
I'm assuming a motorcraft would be a safe bet?
Or is any orange option good to go?

If your engine coolant is low and needs to be topped-off, you have a leak (unless you recently had service and the correct amount was not installed).

 

[BigOleFordFan]

Your online manual says the following:

Engine coolant (U.S. and Mexico): Motorcraft® Yellow Prediluted Antifreeze/Coolant VC-13DL-G WSS-M97B57-A2
Engine coolant (Canada): Motorcraft® Yellow Prediluted Antifreeze/Coolant CVC-13DL-G WSS-M97B57-A2

https://www.fordservicecontent.com/Ford_Content/vdirsnet/OwnerManual/Home/Content?variantid=4740&languageCode=en&countryCode=USA&Uid=G1886438&ProcUid=G1906157&userMarket=USA&div=f&vFilteringEnabled=False&buildtype=web

Of course that's what it says, that way Motorcraft can stay in the fluids replacement biz.....

But the reality is that any orange or yellow stuff from name brands like Prestone, Zerex, or Peak will work fine, as long as it is of the "DEXCOOL" variety, which meets almost all mfgr's specs for vehicles from ~2012 & later....

i've been using that stuff in all my vehicles since about 2008 or so, neveranottaproblemo

Most people do prefer the pre-diltued type, since it is less fuss, but the mixer type is fine also as long as you mix it 50/50 with distilled water before adding to your system....

If your engine coolant is low and needs to be topped-off, you have a leak (unless you recently had service and the correct amount was not installed).

UNLESS you have been driving in very hot climate with the AC running at full blast for extended periods of time, or hauling heavy loads thru the mountains for a long while, or something to that effect....

Those situations will sometimes cause some coolant to be used from the reservoir, but yea, if both the reservoir & the radiator are low, then there very well COULD be a leak somewhere....

 

[Benztech]

I use and recommend the Motorcraft coolant especially if you're under warranty. Last gallon of concentrate (VC-13-G) I bought from the dealer was $20 which is just a few bucks more than aftermarket varieties. Also only a few bucks more for the prediluted (VC-13DL-G) than aftermarket if that's what you prefer. Make sure you use distilled water for mixing concentrate.

 

[JAMADOR]

Looks like a possible slow weep from this joint, where the silver collar bit meets the elbow to the tank, is this a replaceable part, without having to disassemble half the cooling system?

 

[JAMADOR]

Edit to the above, wife went to run errands & that joint is dry, so dont think that's the culprit...

 

[BigOleFordFan]

Edit to the above, wife went to run errands & that joint is dry, so dont think that's the culprit...

Well, looking at those drip stains on the hose, it does appear to have a very small leak, unless I am misinterpreting them. And the leak may not get too bad unless the vehicle is driven harder than on typical errands here & there, like a sustained 60-70mph ride on the highway, where the engine would heat up more than on some short trips...

You should look at it when the engine is hot, that would be the easiest way to be sure

 

[JAMADOR]

It was hot when I checked & everything was dry. Will keep an eye on it all a bit more vigilantly

 

[VBreithaupt]

If it has a leak I would bet its coming from one of the hoses that have the plastic y connectors that run into heater cores. That seems to where they happen. And no they are not covered under extended warranty.