Ford F150 - 4.6l Engine Coolant HELP!!!

I purchased my 97 F-150 at the end of January, and I have not had any fluids changed. Well I checked my Engine Coolant and it has a brown color to it, and it smells horrific.

Its not normal to have brown engine coolant right? The engine runs fine, it has rough idle at times, could this be the cause? Do you think new engine coolant would help it? How do I flush it all out and put new stuff it?

And what kind of coolant do ya'll recommend? Please help I need help!!

And my powersteering fluid is almost identical.

What gives?

Ok, first off if your coolant is brown thats not good. I say go get a coolant flush asap!(drains out coolant and puts new in). What I use in all my vehicles before a coolant exchange is Prestone super flush, cleans all that gook out before you get that coolant exchange. The main problem I've seen lead too brown coolant, is that your radiator is rusting. Just throwing out some ideas...Hope it helps!

Hi, sounds like a high mileage/neglected vehicle. I would take it to a reputable radiator shop for a full inspection, & chem flush & fill. Get a few estimates first so you do not get over charged. It's a messy job, leave it for the pro's. The power steering system needs inspection (fluid,pump,hose). Maybe a good local shop for all your other fluids (oil, trans, axel)? Then a complete tune-up. I'll stop there. Lotsa work! Hope this info helps, POWERUPP.

Could it possibly be oil mixing with the coolant? My oil just got changed and it is still look like brand new oil so I don't think it could be that. What can happen if I keep on driving with it like this? I've been driving with it since January I hope I didn't harm anything.

well if the coolant is mixing with the oil, then the oil shoud have a milky color to it. it's probably just old coolant and it just needs to be replaced.

No problems...just drain the coolant and replace it. Dont worry about taking it in for a flush to a shop or anything like that. Getting your coolant system flushed is a complete waste of money and the only reason people do it is the advertising for it scares them....I have never flushed any of the vehicles i have owned and have had no related problems. Dnt fall for the advertising scare tactics.

And you've probably nver had a vehicle that has been neglected or run hot a few times.


If the antifreeze is brown in color, it means it is in need of being changed and probably has sludge in it, with a flush of the system, you get all of the sludge and contaminants out of the system. It is a good idea, it will clean most of the sludge and crap out of the radiator, heater core, and the thermostat. I totally agree with POWERUPP... i would do a complete fluid system change. And then follow with a good tune up.

Hi again, if your cooling system is that bad, I should have added hoses, belts & thermostat. ^^Nice add ons, "07"!^^ If you think the motor will last and you plan on keeping the truck, the cooling system is just as important as oil & general maintanance. From what it sounds like you'll be lucky to hold on to the radiator, htr core and water pump. Just because others NEVER, doesn't make it right. Keepum Runnin, POWERUPP.