[ljthawk]

I know the coolant topic is old, but I have searched back through 1,000 plus posts on the topic, read the TSB’s, and read what a few of the coolant manufacturers have to say, but still have a few questions.

Facts as I understand them.

1. The 2000 originally came with traditional green EG coolant (spec ESE – M97B44AA) & SCA’s.

2. Newer Fords use an OAT EG coolant (WSS-M97B51-A1), witch is debatably compatible with the 2000 Ford / International cooling system. Though Ford doesn’t require it in the light duty trucks, SCA’s should still be monitored with this coolant.

3. Many are switching to heavy duty PG ELC’s that have a higher service life and do not require SCA’s or SCA monitoring.

I would consider the heavy duty ELC, but I have a hard time using a coolant I need to track down. I prefer the idea of having a more common coolant that I can find without much effort in the case of a breakdown when on trips in the boondocks. Because of this I’m leaning toward traditional green (or whatever color) EG and SCA’s.

After visiting three stores I have come to the conclusion that “traditional green” EG is not easy to find, with most stores carrying “universal” coolant (such as Peak Global and Prestone Extended Life) that satisfy both the ESE – M97B44AA and WSS-M97B51-A1 specs. Other than increased maintenance through SCA upkeep and shorter coolant life, what would be the disadvantage of using these coolants? I did find Texaco low silicate EG, but what would be the issues of topping off in the future with one of the universal all vehicle coolants?

How do these newer “all vehicle universal” coolants fit into the picture of EG, OAT, ESE – M97B44AA, WSS-M97B51-A1, etc requirements and our trucks?

The ironic thing is I live in Peoria, home of CAT, and still have to drive ~30 minutes to the local dealer to get the CAT ELC. Depending on what I find at Napa I may still go with the Heavy Duty ELC, but again availability on the road and in the boondocks is a concern. Then again, Walmart sells the pre-diluted Heavy Duty ELC.

Any additional advice on coolant selection and locating readily available suitable coolant would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

L.J.

P.S. I’m interested in information and leads to learning more so that I can make an educated decision.

 

[NCHornet]

Gooch is the man to answer a lot of the technical stuff, but as I understand it the green and gold coolants that Ford has used provide adequate protection as long as you test frequently and keep the SCA's up to where they should be. So there is nothing "wrong" with using them, your engine will not fall apart after 100K. However the true ELC coolants like the Fleetrite and Rotella offer better protection for a longer period of time, without the need of adding SCA's, although testing is still a good idea. As far as availability I nternational has shops just about everyhwere, although not in shopping malls like Auto Zones, so look in your phone book for the nearest International dealer. I hope this helps.

 

[JimTJr]

Got my Fleetrite ELC from local IH dealer. I know this does not give you "Peace of mind" for being on the road and finding it during an emergency. But really if your hoses are good, what can cause you to need coolant that bad? (When these water pumps start going bad, they tend to give you a very long notice,,LOL) I know a couple of guys that have drove their trucks a few months with it "weeping" and no overheating problems or anything. Just another thought. I am comfortable with the ELC in mine now!

 

[Gooch]

Hi L.J.

First, you are correct that the 2000 originally came with the traditional "green" ESE-M97B44-A coolant and SCA.

In 2002 Ford began using the WSS-M97B51-A1 "gold" coolant. More technically, it is a Universal EG NOAT Hybrid coolant. That is, it contains modern carboxylate organic OAT technology, along with older conventional inorganic technology. It also has some added nitrite for cavitation protection (that's the "N" in NOAT). It is compatible with the Ford light duty spec, but it will not meet International's heavy duty spec. Ford does require SCA testing and maintenance when using the Gold in some F-Series applications. Other engine makers also require SCA maintenance when using the Gold.

With the exception of some folks running Evans and some other specialty coolants, most people are switching to heavy duty EG ELC coolants, not PG ELC coolant. The use of PG vs. EG coolants is another debate. I don't have a problem with either, as both are proven. It's more of an environmental issue than anything (why PG's were developed).

Finding heavy duty ELC coolants can be dependent on what's available in your area. Most lubricant distributors/jobbers will carry them, or be able to get them. Most all truck dealers, truck shops, and truck stops will have them. Of course, International carries their Fleetrite ELC. Decent auto stores can get you the Prestone, Zerex, or Peak brands of heavy duty ELC. They may have to order.

There is nothing wrong with the traditional "green" coolants. Just make sure they are low-silicate, meet ASTM D4985 (heavy duty requirement), maintained with SCA, and flushed frequently.

You are correct that with the introduction of universal one-size-fits-all coolants, the traditional "green" coolants are getting harder to find.

Be careful with the universal coolants. Although they say they can be used in any vehicle, most do not contain cavitation protection for diesels. Most of those brands will carry a heavy duty ELC specifically for diesels...that's what you want. Another important thing to understand is that the Ford ESE-M97B44-A spec is a light duty spec that does not include the requirement for SCA. That spec is for the coolant only, no SCA. The WSS-M97B51-A1 spec does include minimum nitrite for cavitation protection, but keep in mind that it is a light-duty coolant spec too. Also since that coolant contains inorganics like silicate, the nitrite levels will deplete much faster.

Topping off with Universal coolants is OK. But try not to exceed more than 10%. After that, you begin to lose the properties of the primary coolant.

If availability on the road is a concern, buy a gallon or two extra when you finally find what you want. Mix one up 50/50 and throw the bottle behind your seat. In my opinion, it is worth the wait/ordering to get what you want.

Good luck. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[NCHornet]

There you go!!!

 

[444-4D]

[ QUOTE ]
I prefer the idea of having a more common coolant that I can find without much effort in the case of a breakdown when on trips in the boondocks. Because of this I’m leaning toward traditional green (or whatever color) EG and SCA’s.

[/ QUOTE ]

Your boondocks are different from mine. There isn't anything but pond water in mine.

 

[ljthawk]

Thanks for the comments. I’ll keep researching for a little longer and see what I can find around here.

L.J.

444-4d,
My Boondocks change, but not too often are they full of pond water.

 

[pabrannan]

[ QUOTE ]
Thanks for the comments. I’ll keep researching for a little longer and see what I can find around here.

L.J.

444-4d,
My Boondocks change, but not too often are they full of pond water.

[/ QUOTE ]

No need to search, you got your answer from the Gooch. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif
Take our word for it he knows his stuff.

Paul B

 

[iftoc]

I bought my PSD new in 2000. It originally came with the standard EG Green & SCA. The SCA has never been checked (in the past 7 years)./ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif Because of this, is there a radical flushing/cleansing procedure I need to incorporate or, is the damage already done and just proceed as usual with the Gooch Flush and change to the Delo ELC?

 

[Gooch]

[ QUOTE ]
It originally came with the standard EG Green & SCA. The SCA has never been checked (in the past 7 years).

[/ QUOTE ]

Yikes.

A complete flush and some fresh coolant, like the Delo ELC you mentioned, will prolong your engine and cooling system. But it won't repair any corrosion or cavitation damage that has already been done.

 

[iftoc]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
It originally came with the standard EG Green & SCA. The SCA has never been checked (in the past 7 years).

[/ QUOTE ]

Yikes.

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks Gooch, that definitely put a lid on my warm and fuzzy relaxing Wednesday. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/depressed.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/sick.gif