Coolant flush interval for Mz5?

[Silentnoise713]

I don’t recall any members here mention doing a full coolant flush. This is an important routine for me and my old habits dictate flush and clean every 2-3 years b/c of my harsh-er conditions (severe hot/cold seasons). However, upon looking up coolant specs for the Mazda5, via the forbidden forum, I came across an interesting read.

http://www.mazda3_forums.com/index.php?topic=90741.0
(remove underscore in link)

I am still skeptical about the longevity/change interval, much like the lifelong transmission fluid but they are different so it is not a fair comparison. Note this is Motorcraft stuff and thus far I have a very positive impression on their products. Read the FAQ part and let me know what you think about FL22. Do all Mz5 come with this coolant?

 

[flcruising]

Straight from the OM...

COOLING SYSTEM
Engine coolant

• FL22 type[SUP]*1[/SUP] - Replace at first 192,000 km (120,000 miles) or 10 years; after that, every 96,000 km (60,000 miles) or 5 years
• Others - Replace at first 96,000 km (60,000 miles) or 4 years; after that, every 2 years

Remarks:
*1 - Use FL22 type coolant in vehicles with the inscription FL22 on the radiator cap itself or the surrounding area. Use FL22 when replacing the coolant.

 

[Silentnoise713]

Straight from the OM...

Took a peek under the hood on my '08 and I do have the FL22 label (yay!). I wonder if 06-07 use the regular old stuff while the +'08 uses the newer stuff. But still wouldn't wait till 120K for my first coolant flush, prob between 60, maybe 80K max for me. Strangely, the recommended interval thereafter, while still using the same stuff, is every 60K! Am I the only one who can’t make sense of that? I guess it is expected that the engine gets worn and build-up occurs more quickly and needs a shorter change interval? Anyone 06-07 owner willing to take a quick look under the hood (should see FL22 marking on radiator cap) to see what you have?

 

[Davicho]

Mine definitely takes the FL22 coolant. Did an unwilling flush when replacing thermostat due to the code it threw right at about 100k.

 

[flcruising]

Really, it's good procedure by replacing the thermostat any time you flush or open the cooling system. Though Davicho was for the opposite reason.