Houndog, it doesn't matter to me what coolant you use or what you consider an experienced, reliable source.
But if you want to know what "Ford says", here's something simple and quick: Ford's coolant spec for your 2000 is
ESE-M97B44-A. The Gold coolant does not meet that spec. The Gold spec is
WSS-M97B51-A1...Ford's
light-duty universal spec that they call for in all of their gasoline engines.
Also be aware that the coolant chart is from a FCSD catalog. It is NOT an engineering bulletin or any type of official approval to use the Gold. In fact, in that same FCSD catalog where the chart comes from, Ford specifically says
HERE NOT to use the Gold coolant in any system originally equipped with Green colored coolant. In that catalog Ford also lists engineering service bulletins
HERE (2-23-7, 1-23-6, 02-3-4) that reiterate NOT using Gold coolant in vehicles originally equipped with Green. Ford also continues to publish the results of their compatibility testing and their position on not using the Gold in vehicles with Green
HERE at Q5. Finally, you can see
HERE that Ford requires the addition of SCA to the Gold in diesel applications where the Gold coolant alone doesn't cut it. Keep in mind that catalog's chart doesn't even mention the Powerstroke, or its special coolant needs. The chart has many problems, contradictions, and over-sights. Again, it is not approval.
[ QUOTE ]
By SmokeyWren:
Ford says you have a choice between the old low-silicate green coolant with added supplemental coolant additive, or the newer yellow or "gold" G-05 coolant.
[/ QUOTE ]
No they don't. Nowhere has Ford officially approved the use of Gold in PSD's that came with Green, nor have they superceded engineering bulletins that say not to use the Gold in PSD's with Green. Nowhere has Ford said that the Gold WSS-M97B51-A1 spec coolant meets, is equivalent to, or can be substituted for the ESE-M97B44-A spec.
[ QUOTE ]
By SmokeyWren:
Some naysayers claim the chart doesn't apply to diesels, but that's ridiculous. The chart includes F-650/F-750 which are available only with a diesel engine.
[/ QUOTE ]
The F-650-750 applications require the addition of SCA to the Gold. The catalog chart doesn't mention that important factor. And the chart makes no mention of the Powerstroke. In fact it conflicts with International's recommendation not to use OAT-based coolants (the Gold is OAT-based) in engines built prior to 2/2/99 (SN 940614) per
THIS, page 2. That can't be ignored...International made the engine.
[ QUOTE ]
By SmokeyWren:
Ford has not approved any other long-life coolant other than the G-05, which is sold as Motorcraft Premium Gold...
[/ QUOTE ]
Again, the Gold is not approved for his 2000 PSD. And Ford is not in a habit of approving other competitive coolants, nor are they a testing grounds for all other coolants. Ford simply wants you to buy
their brand with
their own special spec. Many other quality ELC coolants meet or exceed the Ford spec.
Houndog, there are much better coolants for your PSD than the Gold. Heavy-duty diesel ELC's have a longer life, more robust corossion and cavitation inhibitors, easier on your water pump (silicate-free), better heat transfer, and less maintenance to name a few. Plus, unlike the Gold, these ELC's will meet most all heavy-duty diesel specs including International's, who made your engine. In fact, International recommends them.
