Concern about my coolant

[catbus16]

The color just naturally darkens over time. With 50k miles, it doesn’t seem abnormal at all from what I’ve seen. But like you mentioned, just keep an eye on it.

Oh btw since I guess they probably only did a drain/fill and claim it as a flush, should I avoid this dealer in the future? Is it normal for dealer to call drain/fill flush?

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[thesocalexplorer]

Oh btw since I guess they probably only did a drain/fill and claim it as a flush, should I avoid this dealer in the future? Is it normal for dealer to call drain/fill flush?

Curious which ford dealer you went to, as it seems we are from the same neck of the woods. I've always been on the fence between star & advantage in the event i need warranty work done.

 

[catbus16]

Curious which ford dealer you went to, as it seems we are from the same neck of the woods. I've always been on the fence between star & advantage in the event i need warranty work done.

I went to envision ford Lincoln of Duarte near LA. Does getting service down outside dealer disqualify you from getting warranty??

 

[Shazamalingo]

I’m went to envision ford Lincoln of Duarte near LA. Does getting service down outside dealer disqualify you from getting warranty??

You don’t have to have your service done at a dealer to keep warranty. You just need to keep records of the maintenance in case Ford asks to see if a maintenance issue led to the particular issue you are trying to get warrantied. Ford needs to indicate that your lack of/poor maintenance etc… led to the issue in order to deny coverage. Having your work done at a dealer helps make sure the paperwork is there for them to review and it helps keep the electronic log up to date.

Honestly, where I am, the good dealers are only slightly more expensive than other mechanics and the service is good (they do stuff like car pickup and drop off at your house). So I just go to the dealer. I typically don’t do service myself.

 

[catbus16]

You don’t have to have your service done at a dealer to keep warranty. You just need to keep records of the maintenance in case Ford asks to see if a maintenance issue led to the particular issue you are trying to get warrantied. Ford needs to indicate that your lack of/poor maintenance etc… led to the issue in order to deny coverage. Having your work done at a dealer helps make sure the paperwork is there for them to review and it helps keep the electronic log up to date.

Honestly, where I am, the good dealers are only slightly more expensive than other mechanics and the service is good (they do stuff like car pickup and drop off at your house). So I just go to the dealer. I typically don’t do service myself.

Thanks that makes a lot of sense! It’s just an odd coincidence that one of the first maintenance knowledge I learn proves the dealer is not doing a good job lol

 

[thesocalexplorer]

I went to envision ford Lincoln of Duarte near LA. Does getting service down outside dealer disqualify you from getting warranty??

Ah gotcha, thanks! From what I've read that was the better of the two. Been DIYing all my maintenance so far.

 

[catbus16]

Ah gotcha, thanks! From what I've read that was the better of the two. Been DIYing all my maintenance so far.

Well even they are doing some questionable maintenance being a better one, I guess DIY is the way to go then

 

[RIDE]

Wouldn’t hurt to ask the dealer their steps in the process when they flush. If it’s simply to drain it out, there’s still some coolant left in the engine block, radiator coils, pump,and lines (along with some rust and scale) and if they don’t circulate it out during change you’d have that small amount mixing with new. It looks better though and if what you’re seeing is that small mixture, I agree with @Ducati1098 you’d be ok till your next sched. change. So long as the brown you’re seeing isn’t a film that sticks to the inside of the fill reservoir walls, or it turns brown again quickly, you should be good.

 

[Brian_B]

Here’s the coolant out of reservoir. It is brighter but ford yellow coolant is almost Neon color. Do you think the dealer didn’t do a good job for a full flush?

That pic is of straight, non mixed, non diluted coolant. It’s usually mixed 50/50 with water when you put it in the vehicle.

 

[0ne]

1st coolant change interval 10yr/200k

 

[mikec426]

So long as the brown you’re seeing isn’t a film that sticks to the inside of the fill reservoir walls…

So this isn’t good? (Had to use an inspection mirror to take the pic since the air compressor mount blocks my view…

 

[Brian_B]

So this isn’t good? (Had to use an inspection mirror to take the pic since the air compressor mount blocks my view…

I don't know this for certain, but if I were to guess it's just from some of the oil from machining and flushing the block was still in the coolant passages and it floats to the top of the reservoir and makes a ring around the tank. I don't think it will harm anything or is any indication of anything bad - so long as it doesn't get worse or anything.

 

[mikec426]

I found this under the oil filler cap yesterday when I changed my oil.

So several people said check my coolant level... That’s when I noticed the reservoir. But none of that stuff under the oil cap was on the dipstick or in any of the oil that drained. Vehicle hasn’t been missing or running hotter than normal.

 

[Ford Motor Company]

Hi all,

My bronco is reaching 50K. When I check the coolant it is sitting at a low level, but before I add more I wonder if this is a normal color of it?
Just in case it needs a flush/change, is it under warranty?
Thank you!
Edit: Could it be a symptom of something is wrong with the engine?

Hello! Send us a private message with your VIN and current mileage. Allow me to see what I can do to assist. Thanks!

 

[Brian_B]

I found this under the oil filler cap yesterday when I changed my oil.

So several people said check my coolant level... That’s when I noticed the reservoir. But none of that stuff under the oil cap was on the dipstick or in any of the oil that drained. Vehicle hasn’t been missing or running hotter than normal.

That does look like something got in your oil.

If the level in your reservoir hasn't changed though - it could also be water or something - the dipstick not in all the way or fill cap loose.

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