Coolant and Fuel Consumption - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

MattK · 02-01-2002, 22:29

Two unrelated questions in one post! :)

Firstly: I've been told on many occasions not to mix coolants as it can go 'gluggy' (most recently on here by Xyphoid) - what exactly do I need to not do? Not mix coolants AT ALL? Or just not too many types in one tank? I ask because I'm buying a new car and it's pretty hard to know what brand is in there already! Also, is there any danger in exceeding the manufacturers recommended %age for coolant? Because I also won't know the %age in there already, and want to dump a heap in to many sure the concentration is high enough! Finally, any recommendations for a good brand of coolant, or is there no difference?

Secondly: Has anyone noticed a fuel consumption difference on a Ford I6 (fairly recent) switching from ULP, to PULP to Optimax/Synergy8000/Ultimate? I've heard all the m arketing jargon, I'm interested if you really do get better economy?

Thanks,
MattK

XR8chic · 02-01-2002, 22:31

Hi,

Dont EVER mix coolants.. Different coolants can have a very bad reaction when mixed together, from going gluggy, to killing water pumps.

XR_Strider_GuY · 02-02-2002, 00:39

MattK,

What i reckon is you should do a complete drain and flush of the radiator when you get your new car. That way it's better to be safe than sorry, you get to flush teh old stuff out and prevent further damage if any.

When you flush the fluid out then you can use whatever fluid you wish, but whatever you do don't i mean don't use the Pink stuff from Ford. Apparently it's rubbish. :dead: :dead:

MattK · 02-02-2002, 00:50

Cheers for the replies - I think I will get it flushed, and just use whatever type of fluid the mechanic does (just need to find out what it is first). Thanks :)

MattK

Jamie XR6 · 02-02-2002, 00:59

Are you buying new as in never been driving or new second hand.

The owners manual will have all that in it anyway. Go with what they recommend, that's the safe bet.

You will find that most uses of this forum use PULP. Either Optimax or Mobil Synergy. I use only these fuels in my XR6 and there is a noticable increase in fuel economy and power. My preference of the both would be the Mobil, I find the car seems to drive a lot better. Don't let the price put you off PULP, in the end it doesn't cost a great deal more.

Aussiblue · 02-02-2002, 05:56

Look here http://www.are.com.au/Hor/horror_pictures.htm
for graphic pics of what may happen. However, if you go for ones that you know for certain ONLY contain water and glycol you can safely mix them.

DRU842 · 02-02-2002, 13:22

OK we're agreed on not mixing coolants but are we recomending propylene or ethylene glycols?

MattK · 02-02-2002, 15:58

I'm buying it new for me, second hand in the scheme of things, so I can't assume whatever is in the owner's manual is also in the car. But it doesn't matter, I'll make sure I get it flushed ASAP.

Any particular reason Synergy8000 seems better than Optimax?

MattK

Falchoon · 02-02-2002, 21:29

Quote:

Originally posted by MattK
Secondly: Has anyone noticed a fuel consumption difference on a Ford I6 (fairly recent) switching from ULP, to PULP to Optimax/Synergy8000/Ultimate? I've heard all the m arketing jargon, I'm interested if you really do get better economy?

Thanks,
MattK

I've recently started using Optimax in my EB (stock I6) and can notice (better) difference in fuel economy. Can't give you precise figures as I don't have trip computer and are too lazy to work it out. Worth it I reckon. Makes the car go slightly better too. Problem with better performance though is that you tend to use it and your fuel savings go out the window!

XR_Strider_GuY · 02-02-2002, 21:32

Quote:

Originally posted by MattK
I'm buying it new for me, second hand in the scheme of things, so I can't assume whatever is in the owner's manual is also in the car. But it doesn't matter, I'll make sure I get it flushed ASAP.

Any particular reason Synergy8000 seems better than Optimax?

MattK

When i switched to Mobil Synergy it seems to be better than Optimax, however after a while they feel teh same in my opinion. Guess it depends where you get the fuel from station wise and how long the fuel has been there for.