Thanks in advance for all and any replies.
Very soon I will be needing to change the coolant in my F150 Super Crew with the 5.4L engine. I have not previously owned a vehicle without the radiator having a cap on it in which to add the fresh coolant. How do you install the new coolant? I hope it does not require a coolant flushing machine.

 

Hi and welcome to FTE

I think the new style with the degas bottlke is easier to drain and refill than an old style rad. Instead of a rad cap you now have a degas bottle cap.
Here is how the manual says to do it......

Draining

WARNING: Never remove the pressure relief cap while the engine is operating or when the cooling system is hot. Failure to follow these instructions can result in damage to the cooling system or engine. To avoid having scalding hot coolant or steam blow out of the degas bottle when removing the pressure relief cap, wait until the engine has cooled, then wrap a thick cloth around the pressure relief cap and turn it slowly. Step back while the pressure is released from the cooling system. When you are sure all the pressure has been released, use a cloth to turn and remove the pressure relief cap. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.

CAUTION: The coolant must be recovered in a suitable, clean container for reuse. If the coolant is contaminated it must be recycled or disposed of correctly.

NOTE: Less than 80% of coolant capacity can be recovered with the engine in the vehicle. Dirty, rusty or contaminated coolant requires replacement.

Make sure the engine is cool.
Wrap a thick cloth around the coolant pressure relief cap on the coolant reservoir. Slowly turn the cap counterclockwise (left) until the pressure begins to release.
Step back while the pressure releases.
When you are sure all the pressure has been released, use the cloth to turn and remove the cap.
Place a suitable container below the radiator draincock (8115). If equipped, disconnect the coolant return hose at the oil cooler. Open the radiator draincock.
Close the radiator draincock when finished.
Filling

CAUTION: Engine coolant provides freeze protection, boil protection, cooling efficiency, and corrosion protection to the engine and cooling components. In order to obtain these protections, the engine coolant must be maintained at the correct concentration and fluid level in the degas bottle.

When adding engine coolant, use a 50/50 mixture of engine coolant and clean, drinkable water.

To maintain the integrity of the coolant and the cooling system:

Add Ford Premium Engine Coolant E2FZ-19549-AA (F5FZ-19459-AA in Oregon or Motorcraft CXC-10 in Canada) or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESE-M97B44-A.
Do not add orange-colored extended life coolant such as F6AZ-19544-AA, meeting Ford specification WSS-M997B44-D. Mixing coolants may degrade the coolants corrosion protection.
Do not add alcohol or methanol or any engine coolants mixed with alcohol or methanol antifreeze. These can cause engine damage from overheating or freezing.
Do not mix with recycled coolant unless it meets the requirements of Ford specification ESE-M97B44-A. Not all coolant recycling processes meet this Ford specification. Use of such a coolant may harm the engine and cooling system components.

Add the correct engine coolant mixture to the degas bottle.
Move the temperature blend selector to the full warm position.
Run the engine until it reaches operating temperature.
Add the correct engine coolant mixture to the degas bottle until the coolant level is between the "COOLANT FILL LEVEL" marks.
Turn off the engine and allow the cooling system to cool.
Repeat Steps 1 through 5 until the degas bottle level is OK.
Bleeding

Select maximum heater temperature and blower motor speed settings. Position control to discharge air at A/C vents in the instrument panel (04320).
Start engine and allow to idle. While engine is idling, feel for hot air at A/C vents.
CAUTION: If the air discharge remains cool and the engine coolant temperature gauge does not move, the engine coolant level is low in the engine and must be filled. Stop the engine, allow to cool and fill the cooling system as described.

Start the engine and allow to idle until normal operating temperature is reached. Hot air should discharge from the A/C vents. The engine coolant temperature gauge should maintain a stabilized reading in the middle of the NORMAL range and the upper radiator hose (8260) should feel hot to the touch.
Shut the engine off and allow it to cool.
Check the engine for coolant leaks.
Check the engine coolant level in the degas bottle and fill as necessary.