I have a 1993 Ranger with a 3.0 and a 5spd tranny. I would like to flush the cooling system but am not sure how to go about doing so. I found the drain on the radiator but can't seem to find the drains on the block. I would also like to change the hoses and the thermostat while I am at it. Should I use some of the cooling system flush stuff they sell or one of those taps that goes into the heater hose that a water hose hooks up to? Any ideas or tips on how to go about doing this would be appreciated! Also my truck has a 16 gallon fuel tank on it and I'm only getting about 300 miles to a tank. Is this about right? Thanks!! Bob

 

re:mileage

Yes, should be a bit higher unless you do a lot of city driving or with loads. Since you leave 2 gallons or more in the tank, 300/14=21+

 

Driver's habits have the biggest effect on fuel economy. My wife consistently gets 20% better fuel economy on either one of our two vehicles than I get.

 

You could use one of those flush kits that you patch into the heat core hoses. I've used them in the past but don't feel they do any better than a plain old garden hose. Here's how to flush it: Remove the radiator cap and siphon out enough fluid to add your radiator flush product into it. Close the cap and start the engine and let it warm up with the heater on. Turn off the engine and let it cool down so the radiator cap doesn't spray hot antifreeze on you when you open it. I like to use a towel for this just in case. Open the cap and then unscrew the drain on the radiator. Let it drain out completely. Next, flush out the radiator overflow tank with the hose and siphon everything out of it several times to clean it out well. Now fill up the radiator with plain water from the hose. Keep the drain plug open while doing thing. Once the radiator fills completely start up the engine and let it run while you keep filling the radiator (and it is leaking out the drain plug. Do this for several minutes then turn off the engine and let the last of the water drain out. Tighten up the drain plug and use 50 to 75% antifreeze to 50 to 25% water. Same in the overflow. Put the radiator cap back on and drive the vehicle for ten or so minutes. Allow it to cool down and then check the radiator fluid level as well as the overflow level. Good idea to check them both again in a few days as it purges out air and consumes from the overflow. Also, if you are going to change hoses on it it's better to pull the radiator out competely (real easy 2 minute job) and flush it out with a hose from the bottom hose hole, top hose hole, cap hole, etc. Turn it upside down, shake it, drain it from different holes. Hope this helps.

 

I would never go over 50% antifreeze unless you are way up north and need the protection, water is MUCH better at transfering heat.

 

True, water is better for heat transfer but antifreeze helps prevent rust and waterpump failure.