Hi Kyle,
You can't go wrong with good 'ole Prestone and distilled water (50:50 mix). I've been using this mixture for over 20 years now and have yet to experience cooling system problems (8 vehicles...knock on wood). The key, as you already know, is to drain, flush and replace the coolant on a regular basis (max 2 years). The primary problem that most cooling systems have is a build-up of calcium/minerals in the radiator core. This stems from the use of ordinary tap water. I always used distilled water (the stuff without the added minerals) in my vehicles. I typically use Prestone Super Flush...it helps loosen any rust in the water jackets.
I've heard that the new 'long life' antifreeze is not compatible with the old style coolant. You'll probably need to completely flush the system of the old coolant. I can't say whether the new style coolant is better as I haven't used it. I have no need to change from something that I know works.
I've heard tales of water pump lubricants and various additives causing problems in some vehicles. Frod (say it out loud and catch the meaning)...<ahem, I mean Ford> warns of premature water pump failures when using water pump lube additives. Again, I can't comment on the RedLine or DEI stuff as I haven't come across the need for them.
BTW, I really appreciate the information you sent me regarding the MSD filter.
-Mitch
> Date: Mon, 14 Aug 2000 22:31:48 -0500
> From: "Kyle Kozubal" <grndak4x4@home.com>
> Subject: DML: Coolant/Cooling Products, etc
>
> I drain and refill my radiator every year and every other year I 'flush' the
> cooling system. Well this year it is the flush time, and am curious if
> anyone has used any kind of cooling system 'cleaner', super flush, or
> radiator cleaner prior to doing a system flush??? I never have and was
> curious if it might be a good idea to try a super flush product, like the
> one(s) made by Prestone. So far, at 127,000 miles I have had zero cooling
> system related problems, with no components failing and no engine temp
> trouble at all.
>
> Also, I 'may' want to try out a new anti-freeze.....are there any new
> promising ones on the market which 'may' be better and offer better
> protection than others? I have always used normal ole Prestone when doing a
> radiator drain and also when doing a cooling system flush job. I see there
> are a couple of 'long life' coolants on the market, which have like a 5 year
> drain period, but do they really work as good?
>
> One last question, as far as cooling sytsem additives are concerned. I have
> always just poured in a bottle of Redline's Watter Wetter, and havent really
> noticed any benefits from adding it in the system. Some claim to actually
> lower the engine temps by upto 40 degrees. I would like to try another
> product, but maybe one which others have seen results from. I remember Bernd
> talking about some product a bit back, something like DEI???
> I plan on doing the flush this week, around Thursday or Friday. Thanks for
> any and all info.
> Kyle
> 93 Dakota 4x4 V6
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