1996 Ford F250 Owner's Manual - Page 327

Use Ford Premium Cooling System Fluid or an equivalent engine coolant that meets Ford Specification ESE-M97B44-A. Do not use alcohol or methanol antifreeze and do not use engine coolant mixed with alcohol or methanol antifreeze. If you do not use the proper coolant, the aluminum radiator on your vehicle will corrode. Leave the engine coolant in all year. Make sure that the coolant will not freeze at the temperature level in which you drive during winter months. Keep a mixture of engine coolant in your engine that has a protection rating of at least -34˚F (-37˚C), or whatever protection rating is appropriate for the climate in which you live. To find out how much engine coolant mixture your vehicle's coolant system can hold, see Refill capacities for fluids in the Index. You may add water by itself only in an emergency, but you should replace it with a 50/50 or appropriate mixture as soon as possible. Have your dealer check the engine cooling system for leaks if you have to add a quart (liter) of engine coolant more than once a month. Checking hoses Inspect all engine and heater system hoses for deterioration, leaks and loose clamps before adding or replacing engine coolant. Make whatever repairs or replacements that are necessary using Motorcraft parts or their equivalents. 328