What coolant does a F250 take?

The Ford F-250 typically uses a long-life ethylene glycol coolant that meets Ford’s specification, with the most common factory fill being Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant in a 50/50 premixed form. Always verify the exact requirement for your year and engine in the owner’s manual or on the under-hood label.

Coolant specifications by engine and year

Coolant requirements can vary by model year and engine option, but Ford generally requires a long-life coolant that is compatible with aluminum engine components. Use a Ford-approved product or any coolant that explicitly lists compatibility with Ford vehicles and meets Ford specification WSS-M97B44-D (or newer).

• Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant (50/50 premixed) – the standard Ford-approved option for most F-250 gasoline-powered models; meets Ford specification WSS-M97B44-D (and newer revisions).


• Other brands that explicitly state compatibility with Ford vehicles and meet Ford specification WSS-M97B44-D (or newer) and are ethylene glycol-based can be used as replacements; always check the label to confirm the Ford spec.


• Older F-250s (pre-2000s) that used conventional green coolant require a Ford-approved green coolant that matches the older Ford specification noted in the vehicle’s maintenance documentation; confirm the exact spec for your year if you own a vintage truck.

In practice, the safest and most straightforward approach is to use the Ford-approved Motorcraft coolant or another product that clearly carries Ford compatibility and the WSS-M97B44-D (or newer) specification. Mixing coolant types or using non-approved formulations can reduce corrosion protection and lead to cooling-system issues.

How to verify and choose the right coolant

To ensure you select the correct coolant, check the packaging and the vehicle’s labeling. Look for explicit Ford compatibility and the specification number on the bottle or concentrate, and consult the owner’s manual for your exact model year and engine combo.

• Check for Ford compatibility on the label and confirm the specification number (WSS-M97B44-D or newer).


• Ensure the coolant is ethylene glycol-based and suitable for aluminum engine components.


• Decide between premixed 50/50 coolant or concentrate (if concentrate, mix with distilled water to the recommended ratio).


• Avoid mixing more than one coolant type; if you must top off, use the same product or a coolant that matches the Ford spec exactly.

If you are unsure, ask a dealer or a trusted shop to confirm the correct specification for your particular F-250 configuration. Using the correct coolant protects cooling-system components and helps maintain optimal engine temperatures.

Replacing coolant in your F-250

If you’re planning a coolant flush or replacement, follow these general steps to perform the service (engine cold and safety first). Always refer to the service manual for your exact year and engine before starting.

1. Park on level ground and allow the engine to cool completely; disconnect the negative battery terminal for safety.


2. Place a drain pan under the radiator drain valve or lower radiator hose (depending on your model) and drain the old coolant completely.


3. If your vehicle has a heater-core drain, open the appropriate valve or hose to remove residual coolant from the heater circuit.


4. Flush the system with clean water if you are doing a full replacement; then close the drains and restore the cooling system to the original state.


5. Fill the system with the chosen 50/50 premixed coolant or with concentrate diluted to 50/50, as directed by the product, until the reservoir and radiator are at the recommended levels.


6. Run the engine to operating temperature with the radiator cap loosened to bleed any air, then top up to the proper level and reinstall the cap; check for leaks and recheck the level after the engine cools.

Remember to dispose of old coolant according to local hazardous-waste guidelines, and clean up any spills promptly. Proper coolant maintenance helps protect the engine and cooling system from corrosion and overheating.

Summary

The Ford F-250 generally uses a long-life ethylene glycol coolant that meets Ford specification WSS-M97B44-D or newer, with Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant (50/50 premixed) being the most common factory fill. When replacing coolant, choose a Ford-approved product or a brand that explicitly meets the same Ford spec, avoid mixing different types, and follow the vehicle’s maintenance guidance for your exact year and engine. If in doubt, consult a Ford service technician to ensure you use the correct coolant for your specific F-250 configuration.

Does Ford require special coolant?

Every car manufacturer, including Ford has developed its own coolant or requires a specific coolant that is unique to individual years and models. There are several colors of coolants to help distinguish each including green, blue, yellow, purple red, and orange.

What coolant to run in 6.7 powerstroke?

The correct coolant for a 6.7L Powerstroke is a Ford-specific yellow or orange ethylene glycol-based antifreeze/coolant, which meets the specification WSS-M97B44-D2. While Ford initially specified an orange coolant, they now use a newer yellow coolant, which is backward-compatible. For a complete flush, use a 50/50 mixture of the concentrated coolant and distilled water.
 
This video explains the coolant change process for a 6.7L Powerstroke: 1mHelp Me DIYYouTube · Dec 28, 2022
Coolant type

• Ford specification: Use either the Motorcraft Orange Prediluted Antifreeze/Coolant or the newer yellow concentrated antifreeze/coolant. 
• Backward compatibility: The newer yellow coolant is designed to be backward compatible, so it's okay to add it to a system that previously had orange coolant. 
• Avoid mixing: Do not mix different types of coolants without thoroughly flushing the system. 

Mixing and dilution

• Concentrated formula: If you use a concentrated coolant, mix it with distilled water to create a 50/50 solution before adding it to the system. 
• Prediluted formula: If you use a prediluted coolant, it is already mixed at the correct ratio and does not require additional water. 
• Avoid tap water: Always use distilled water for mixing, as tap water can cause deposits and corrosion. 

This video explains the difference between various Ford coolants: 59sYukonYouTube · Feb 6, 2024
Other options

• Other brands: You can use any coolant that meets Ford's specifications, such as Zerex G-05.
• Check specifications: Always verify that the coolant you choose meets the required Ford specifications before use. 

What kind of coolant does a Ford f250 take?

The correct coolant for an F-250 depends on the model year and engine, but recent models (2011-2024 6.7L diesel) typically use Motorcraft Yellow Prediluted Antifreeze/Coolant (VC-3DIL-B) or a compatible equivalent. Older F-250s and gasoline models may have used Motorcraft Orange Prediluted Antifreeze/Coolant (VC-3DIL-B) or a HOAT coolant like ZEREX G05, but it is crucial to check your owner's manual for the exact specification. 
This video demonstrates how to change the coolant in a Ford F-250/F-350 Super Duty: 1mHelp Me DIYYouTube · Dec 28, 2022
Coolant for modern F-250s 

• For 2011–2024 6.7L Diesel: The recommended coolant is Motorcraft Yellow Prediluted Antifreeze/Coolant, which is a P-OAT (Phosphate Organic Acid Technology) formula. You can also use a compatible universal or OEM-spec yellow coolant.
• Note: Mixing new yellow coolant with old orange coolant is not recommended and can cause issues. 

This video discusses the types of coolants compatible with a Ford 6.7L Powerstroke engine: 59sYukonYouTube · Feb 6, 2024
Coolant for older F-250s 

• For older models: Check your owner's manual for the correct specification, as the type can vary by year and engine. Some older models may have originally used a green coolant or a HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant.
• Compatible HOAT coolant: ZEREX G05 is a HOAT coolant that was approved for use in some Ford, Chrysler, and Mercedes-Benz vehicles and may be compatible with certain older F-250 models. 

Important considerations

• Always check your owner's manual: The most accurate coolant type will be listed in your owner's manual or on the coolant reservoir cap. 
• Do not mix coolant types: Mixing different types of coolant can lead to corrosion and damage to your cooling system. 
• Use the correct concentration: Always use the correct concentration of coolant for your vehicle's climate. Using a 50/50 pre-diluted mixture is a safe bet for most applications. 

What color is Ford's antifreeze?

Ford coolant has been orange in older models and is now a yellow (sometimes appearing lime green) coolant for newer vehicles, starting around late 2018 or early 2019. The new yellow coolant is designed to replace the older orange coolant and is backwards compatible, though it's often recommended to do a full flush for optimal performance and protection.
 
Coolant colors and details

• Orange: This was the standard coolant for many Ford vehicles from approximately 2011 to 2018. It's an ethylene glycol-based, long-life coolant that may sometimes appear pinkish. 
• Yellow: This is the newer, recommended coolant. It is also known as "P-OAT" and has a longer service interval than the orange coolant. 
  • Some users report it has a slight green tint, but it is officially labeled as yellow. 
  • It is backwards compatible with the older orange coolant. 
  • It is recommended to use distilled water when mixing with the new yellow coolant. 

Important considerations

• Mixing: While the new yellow coolant is designed to be compatible with the old orange coolant, it is best practice to perform a full system flush and refill to get the most benefit from the newer formula and ensure proper protection, especially for newer vehicles. 
• Warranty: Ford recommends using the correct coolant to avoid potential damage to the engine or cooling system, which may not be covered by the vehicle's warranty. 
• Discontinued orange coolant: Ford has officially discontinued the orange coolant, but some aftermarket brands may still offer it. 
• Correct specification: Always check your vehicle's owner's manual for the specific Ford specification your vehicle requires (e.g., WSS-M97B44-D or WSS-M97B44-D2 for the orange coolant) to ensure you are using the correct product, especially when adding a top-off.