Searched, but only found info on diesels.

Would like to perform a coolant replacement/flush on my truck since I don't know when it was last performed. Will also be replacing all hoses (radiator, heater), thermostat, and radiator cap as they appear original (1992).

What are the procedures for performing this on my own?

I've read about using only distilled water but wasn't sure if this was only true for diesel engines.

Should back flush kits that that tap into heater hose be used?
How about using the flushing chemicals?

Thanks

 

Any expertise out there?

 

I would like to know for my 460 as well. Anyone????

 

This isn't 460-specific, but is thorough.......Cap-A-Radiator

 

When I did my thermostat a couple months ago I pulled the upper and lower hoses off got the hose and 4th water thru the radiator from top to bottom and then bottom to top. U pulled the thermostat out aand stuck the hose in the thermostat housing and let it run until clear. Then I took the water house and stuck it in the lower radiator hose and let the water come out of the thermostat housing messy yes but effective. The only thing I didn't do was start it up and turn the heater in to flush the heater core. I finished put it all back together and ran it for a day and drained it all again running the heater while I was driving and refilled.

 

I just pull the upper hose off the rad , start it up , turn on the heater then put a hose in the radiator and let the water pump , pump it out ....

 

Is this just as effective as other suggestions which suggest removal of heater hoses, thermostats, etc?

 

Yes , it will flush out the radiator , engine , heater core and all the hoses , the water won't start coming out of the upper hose until the thermostat opens , just keep the radiator full with a hose ....

 

But the thermostat won't open/stay open, because the hose is constantly delivering cold water.

Disconnecting & flushing at the heater hoses (as in the Cap-A-Radiator link), bypasses the thermostat.

 

What did you end up doing, socalangler?

Hoping to see what worked best for you and do it myself

 

I followed the cap a radiator method as suggested in the link. I am now ready to refill and check for leaks. I changed the two radiator hoses, the short water pump/oil cooler hose, both heater hoses, and thermostat.

 

Unlike diesels (many many WRONG things can happen after a flush), gas engines are fairly tolerant --one area to consider: if the water you're using is hard (5 grains or so), high ph (greater than 8), then I'd look for water containing less calcium/mag (and closer to neutral) or you're just asking for long term trouble...........