Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Duratec Maintenance First Coolant Flush at 60k

Hello all

My car is a 2k contour V6 which is apparently equipped with the 100k coolant (dextron variant, yet it's green?). Currntly my coolant is original with 60k miles. Know 100k just seems to go against everything I've been tought, and most of the feedback you guys have seems to confirm that. So, I'm thinking now is the time to change. I'm wondering what the latest and greatest is now on switching to a dextron coolant since that may not be quite what I have now. I don't want to assume I have "dextron" just because ford says its a 100k coolant. Thank for you time everyone, let me know what u think

I can't believe there isn't a how-to on flushing the radiator.

Tranny fluid change never?! Dear god I had no idea, thats just scarry. Does anyone know if this is a dextron type fluid that comes factory in the 2000 contour duratechs? Or is it just standard antifreeze with a 100k maintenance interval schedule slapped on, the fluid is green. I just would prefer sticking with what was originally in place. Thanks for your feedback.

The factory fill coolant for a 2000 Contour is NOT 100,000 mile coolant.

It was only intended to last at the most 45,000 miles although most change it at 30,000 miles. You are long overdue. Get it out now. The longer it stays in, the more likely it is to become acidic and damage things.

The owners manuel says the first one is to be done at 50K and every 30K afterwards. I did mine at 30K to be on the safe side and added the waterwetter to keep the temps down and it has worked. My CSVT is "cooler" than any Tour I've seen. Most have the needle straight up in the middle, but mine is way over to the left, like if it were between 1/8-1/4 on the gas gauge. Keeping the coolant fresh keeps the acid levels down which helps that waterpump and we all know it needs all the help it can get

Might want to think about replacing the waterpump too if it's original.

Do you know what the actual coolant temp differences are due to the WaterWetter ??

Just curious.

Thanks for your help on this everyone. I did do a full system flush back a few weeks ago. New tires are up next..........

I'm at 67K and I need to do a backflush on mine. I'm wayy over due and yes its the original. I think i'll convert to the dexcool premixed 50/50. My temp gauge is running a little hotter than usual. I usually stays stable at the "N" and the "O" and now it goes as high as the "M" and the "A". My Dad told me that it could be the thermostat. Could that be the problem or is it the coolant?? I'll probably swap that out when I do the coolant.