Well i have changed many a gasket like this over the years and wanted to pass on some info about it. This gasket deteriorated from a combination of different metals and corrosive anti freeze from age. Normally you can stop this by adding additives. Just wanted to pass this on as info. Use this additive when changing anti freeze or when flushing. It reduces acids and to some extent prevents this from happening. We have very good luck with this and in my view works great.
(http://i740.photobucket.com/albums/xx46/proguns/002-104_zps0bddab54-1_zpse17eae69.jpg)
I converted to gold. Per the instructions for diesels, we check the nitrite and silicate levels and add VC-8 (http://"http://www.amazon.com/Motorcraft-Diesel-engine-coolant-additive/dp/B0065SZU8I") when the levels get below 800ppm. Then we flush at 100k. I haven't been running gold in my car that long, and I'm sure I'm not as hard on my coolant as a diesel, but this is what I've added. I'm sure it's similar. I'll never go back to green coolant, I've seen too much of it do too much damage from poor mixing, neglect and being mixed with cheap junk from the gas station. I won't have Dex-cool (or it's orange cousins), and try as I might, I just can't believe in straight water with water wetter added. Motorcraft Gold is just about the only thing that can keep newer 3.0L's from self-destructing from corrosive and burnt coolant.
I agree with that 100%. Anti freeze is a bitch and ignoring it plays havoc. The stuff i use is good and i use PRE MIXED. Years back i used to use distilled water when mixing.
Tom, I havent seen that before. Can you get it at just any parts store?
I get it from FLEET PRIDE. The over the road boys use it all the time.
How much do you put in?
Depends how much coolant you have.
The instructions are on the bottle. It depends on the size of the system as FOE points out!!!
I bought 2 bottles from Rockauto. $4 and some change for each. Thanks for the tip Tom!
My pleasure thanks
Motorcraft doesn't recommend Gold for engines that originally had the std. green coolant (our engines). Is this just a mixing issue? Is Gold better than green in our cars?
I don't care what they recommend it for, I convert every car I flush, and Gold is better than green in our cars, their cars, and all cars.
I dont know the GREEN stuff has been around for years. Had good luck with it but i use FLEET CHARGE PRE-MIXED with additive. Works great. By the way Prestone has that fits all stuff they claim is the best thing since hydraulic lifters!!!!
I always run a anode. That way this dies instead of a gasket or something else.
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/accessories/Performance/Radiator-Anode/_/N-26n2
Looks like a 1/4 " pipe plug arrangement. Great for the old radiators but the new ones do not have a pipe plug to install it.Does it come in different thread arrangements??? Sounds like a good product. A sacrificial anode. Boats use them very successfully.
I actually don't use that particular anode. I have one that hangs in the radiator cap opening and down into the radiator. A local old time radiator shop sells them. I've yet to replace it but it has deteriorated a slight bit. I do change the coolant every three years though, no matter the mileage.
Edit: Looks like this product but attaches to any radiator cap.
I like that! Im gonna have to see if I can find one of those
What about all that crumbly nasty shiznit floating around in your coolant and water pump? Looks pretty abrasive in that above pic.
You know I've never had a problem with that. I change my coolant every two years and I've yet to see that stuff floating in the radiator. I figure it just dissolves :dunno:.
I need to get busy and do my coolant and put in that aditive. Its been awhile.