I replaced my FF in 2011, when it was 5 yrs old. This time I went longer at 8 yrs. This time I drained the rad and pulled block drain on the driver side, the pass side drain was blocked by the starter. In 2011 I did the same thing but also did a distilled water flush. This time I did not bother with the flush.
I had been waiting for a coolant related issue, like a water pump or stat, to drain the system but have not had any issues. After 8 yrs I did not feel comfortable leaving the old coolant in any longer. The GM recommended interval is 5 yrs. The coolant appeared to be in fine shape with no discoloration or deposits. The system capacity is 13l and I drained out 11l, so I drained out about 85%.
I used what I had in my stash, which was 2l of Prestone Dexcool concentrate from 2013 and a gallon of Prestone AMAM concentrate from this year, the rest being distilled water from Walmart.
AMAM looks more yellow when poured from the bottle but looks green in the surge tank. I did not bother premixing the concentrate. I just read the AGCO article emphasizing premixing but I really do not think it is an issue. FWIW I poured the distilled water in first and then the concentrate.
I had been waiting for a coolant related issue, like a water pump or stat, to drain the system but have not had any issues. After 8 yrs I did not feel comfortable leaving the old coolant in any longer. The GM recommended interval is 5 yrs. The coolant appeared to be in fine shape with no discoloration or deposits. The system capacity is 13l and I drained out 11l, so I drained out about 85%.
I used what I had in my stash, which was 2l of Prestone Dexcool concentrate from 2013 and a gallon of Prestone AMAM concentrate from this year, the rest being distilled water from Walmart.
AMAM looks more yellow when poured from the bottle but looks green in the surge tank. I did not bother premixing the concentrate. I just read the AGCO article emphasizing premixing but I really do not think it is an issue. FWIW I poured the distilled water in first and then the concentrate.