I'm shortly going to be carrying out 10 year service on my wife's Ford (I plan to change cambelt, filters, plugs, brake fluid, etc).

The cooling system has never lost any coolant, still has a "good s/g" on an anti-freeze tester and I understand that the "Ford Pink" coolant is supposed to have a 10 year corrosion inhibitor lifetime.

One question is: "how necessary is it to change anti-freeze to ensure no corrosion"? Another is: "what is likely to corrode and cause problems if the anti-freeze is not changed"? (It's an all aluminium engine.)

I'm thinking that changing the A/F is going to add quite a lot to an already expensive parts bill and could be a PITA to change (bleeding heater etc).

Any comments?

 

It's an all aluminium engine.

All of it could corrode!

It's a few quid & not difficult to do.

 

It's the hassle/cost vs peace of mind equation.

As Nick says, it's not a huge hassle or cost considering what else you're already doing so I would if it were me.

Certainly no more hassle than changing brake fluid.

 

A LOT hassle less than bleedin' ABS!

That can be a f ucking nightmare.

 

Thanks for the replies - maybe I will change it (websearch on this engine suggests they can suffer from core plug problems).

Any opinions on "Halfords Advanced Antifreeze" (the Ford stuff is damned expensive)?

 

Not a clue. Probably made by someone reputable.

I tend to prefer OEM Honda stuff, for mixablility purposes if it ever needs topping up. Which it doesn't...

But yeah, I'd use Comma or whatever from the local factors, otherwise.

 

The Ford, Comma and most stuff on the market are made to an EU standard (no surprise there!) so are as good as each other.
IIRC there are two types/mixes - one is green the other pink.

I did the S2000 when I upgraded the rad. PITA to bleed and left me panicking about warping the head