Any one know just how to flush the cooling system in a 2001 Expedition? I do not even see a drain for the radiator. Please advise.
Thank you.

 

I flushed my 2000 last week, I'm sure it's the same as yours. I accessed my drain plug from the passenger side of the radiator, I think it was a 5/8 socket to open the plug. Get under the bumper, look at the bottom of the radiator close to the wheel well area. Get some 3/8 hose and drain into a large container.

 

Yup, bottom corner of the radiator, passenger side.

 

OK great now for one more question. Since this seems to be a closed system with no cap or opening to add flush etc. How did you go about it?? Thank you.

 

The cap is on the coolant tank, front drivers side. Drain the system through the plug at the bottom and fill with water. It took at least 5 or 6 times of fill, drive, and empty to get the water to run clear. Be patient, it takes a while. Then I used the Prestone flush kit and bought 8 feet of 3/4" ID heater hose. I pulled the heater hose off the front passenger side of the motor, inserted the "T" with one end of the tee plugged. I inserted the 8 feet of hose onto the steel hose on the manifold and put the other end into a 5 ga bucket. The thermostat was removed for the flush. Turned on the hose and flushed the system until I got cold clear water. Then I put compressed air to the heater hose to push as much fresh water out as I could. Installed a new Motorcraft T-stat and o-ring, attached all hoses, closed the plug at the bottom, and filled the system with 50/50.

 

JL, when using the flush system, did you have the truck running during this operation or did you leave the system open?

 

Truck was not running, t-stat was out for good flow. I had been driving, flushing, and filling, for a couple of hours with all the heat on for flow. The final flush was with the hose.

 

I understand what you have said, but I do not see that you used any chemical flush in the system. If you did how did you manage to get it into the radiator which is where it is the most important to get it? Also most chemical flushes need the engine to heat up to be the most effective. Please advise. Thank you.

 

Take a look at the bottom of the tank that feeds the system. You'll see a hose that feeds the larger hose that goes to the radiator. If the t-stat is out, the water level will fill the system to the level in the tank alot faster.
I used 2 bottles (quart size) of Prestone Flush on or about the 6th fill with water. All filling goes into the tank which feeds the system. Drove to O'reilly's for the hose flush kit, about 15 minutes, came home and drained and flushed the system again. Filled it one more time with water and drove for 10 minutes to make sure the chemical was out. Then I flushed it as stated above. Looks like you'll be busy this weekend!
I get to put two axles in my sons Camry. Should be a four beer job!

 

Great now that filled in the missing steps.
Thank you again. Cliff