Is ford specialty orange engine coolant the same as Dexco... (2024)

FAQs

Is ford specialty orange engine coolant the same as Dexco...? ›

Is all orange coolant DexCool? There is very minimal difference between Ford Orange Coolant and Dexcool they are both full OAT {Organic Acid Technology} formulation that use 2EHA as one of the OAT inhibitors . 2EHA is a plasticizers that can ruin silicone gasket and should never be used in a car not designed for it . '

The Specialty Orange is Dexcool. The Fords (and many other newer manufacturers)now have a degas tank to prevent air bubbles in the coolant, which was the cause of the rust and sludge issues experienced in the older GM engines (along with mixing coolants, junk LIM gaskets, etc.).

Designed to work with all GM ^® vehicles 1995 & newer (GM ^®-approved), most Ford ^® vehicles 2011-2018 and most Chrysler ^® vehicles 2013 & newer. Manages engine temperature, prevents freezing and protects the engine from corrosion. Protects vital engine parts for up to 5 years/150,000 miles with Extended Life Formula.

Recommended by Ford Motor Company meeting warranty requirements. Orange-colored, longer-life, ethylene glycol-based antifreeze/coolant for use in gasoline and diesel engines, and electric motors. Provides year-round antifreeze, anti-boil and corrosion protection. Ready-to-use.

PRESTONE DEXCOOL® (50/50)

Bottom line is Prestone DexCool® is a safe and readily available alternative to Motorcraft.

The label on the universal says it can be mixed with any coolant of any make.

Orange motorcraft is the same type of coolant as Dexcool, you don't have to flush anything. The folks telling you that it's incompatible are under the impression that your car uses the older style coolant but those haven't been used by most manufacturers in many years now.

The exact composition of orange coolant will vary depending on the manufacturer. These silicates and acids in orange coolant form a protective layer on the aluminium and other metals present inside the engine to lower the corrosive effect of the chemicals present in the coolant.

Motorcraft® antifreeze/coolants meet specific Ford Motor Company engineering standards. They have been subjected to extensive in-vehicle testing in the applications for which they have been approved.

The following are known to be compatible with each other and may be mixed without affecting the fluid's performance. OAT (Orange) type coolants: GM® Dexcool®, Texaco® Havoline®, all brands made with Penray 2798 inhibitor technology, Prestone® Extended Life.

Did Ford discontinue the orange coolant? ›

Around 2020 Ford introduced a yellow colored coolant as their factory fill and discontinued supplying the orange coolant under the “Motorcraft” label in favor of the yellow one.

Every car manufacturer, including Ford has developed its own coolant or requires a specific coolant that is unique to individual years and models.

Remember, Motorcraft offers the only antifreeze/coolants recommended by Ford engineers for use in Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles.

Different brands are fine as long as they're made with the same chemicals. (The label will say what coolant(s) its compatible with) Mixing different types is a solid no. They will likely interact with each other and create solids. The solids they create will act like sand paper in your cooling system destroying seals.

Putting the Wrong Engine Coolant in Your Car

Mixing coolants of various types can have extensive and expensive consequences. As mentioned above, the mix can solidify, block your engine, and cause overheating, which can, in turn, cause the following problems: Degraded cylinder heads. Head gasket breakage.

Typically, you should have your Ford coolant flush completed every 30,000 miles or every two years.

Ford orange now gone. You can use the Ford yellow and ad it to a system currently using the orange. I just did a super flush on my 3.7 and switched to yellow.

Dex-Cool is designed to work with all GM vehicles 1995 & newer (GM-approved), most Ford vehicles 2011-2018, and most Chrysler vehicles 2013 & newer.