Hi everyone! I have a Ford Focus MK3, 2.0 Duratec engine, 49k miles, for which I wanted to change the whole coolant/water mix for maintenance purposes.

The manual says the whole capacity is 6.5L, 50% should be concentrated coolant and 50% distilled water.

So I bought 4L of Total coolant (organic, red color); 3L to use for sure and 1L just in case it needs a bit more, aiming to save what’s left.

I brought the 4L to a mechanic who did the whole job. Sadly I wasn’t clear enough and just trusted that he would know but… he actually put all of the 4L of coolant and completed it with distilled water.

So now I guess the car has a mix with approximately 65/35 coolant/water which is not what the manual suggests, but the mechanic told me it is “better” that way.

What do you suggest?

  • Do I move on and just keep an eye on the temperature indicator? (I read that coolant’s heat transfer capacity is not as good as water’s).
  • Do I, somehow, “adjust” the mix by getting some out of the deposit and filling with water? I don’t know how to “get some out”, but I read some people use turkey basters for removing excess.
  • Do I replace everything again? The bad part is all of the cash I spent on the 4L of coolant and the mechanic’s work.

Thank you in advance!

  • intellectual_printer@alien.topB
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    10 months ago

    Is this a brand new engine? Using 90/10 concentrate coolant is fine More of the concentrate the more chemicals are in it that will help keep the system clean.

    Yes water does have the advantage of being able to dissipate heat more. But you "shouldn’t " have to worry about that unless you live in a hot climate, ie 35°c+ average thoughout the week.

    But if you really want to you can drain some into a tub/jar and top it up with distilled water. Then find an appropriate place to dispose the hazardous chemicals.

    • dmaxprin@alien.topOPB
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      10 months ago

      Not a new engine, it’s the one that came with the car if that’s what you mean.

      Yeah, in my country summer will start soon and 35°C is not unusual, so I will try to drain some and replace with water. Thank you!