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Coolant flush write up

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Old Oct 29, 2011 | 06:14 PM
  #1  
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Coolant flush write up

Found this, but I'm stupid and require visuals:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...nt-change.html

Anybody got one with pics?

From what I understand....drain radiator...drain engine block plugs (where the F are they? This is where the pics come in handy)......replace coolant.

Also, what kind of coolant and where to buy?

TIA,

Rich
 
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Old Nov 21, 2011 | 09:37 PM
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Same here I know where everything is but those 2 engine block drains.

So I crawled under my 03 V10 X today and took a few pics. Let me know if I am looking in the right spot. I'm an eager noob that loves wrenching now!

Drivers side


Passagers side
 
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Old Nov 21, 2011 | 09:43 PM
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Drivers side right below the rear most freeze plug is the one drain plug. You DO NOT want to touch the row of hex head bolts right above the oil pan flange. Those are the cross bolts for the main bearing caps. Thus unscrewing stuff until you find the drain plug is not a good idea.
 
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Old Nov 21, 2011 | 10:28 PM
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Here's a good write-up with good pics:

Coolant changing instructions... - Diesel Forum - TheDieselStop.com

The lowest priced compatible coolant I was able to find about 3 years ago was Zerex G-05. Carquest was the only place I could find it. But I think you can now get the Motorcraft VC7B even cheaper through Amazon? Do some price checking on-line, but be sure you get the right stuff.

Good luck.
 
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Old Nov 21, 2011 | 10:59 PM
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Originally Posted by dkf
Drivers side right below the rear most freeze plug is the one drain plug. You DO NOT want to touch the row of hex head bolts right above the oil pan flange. Those are the cross bolts for the main bearing caps. Thus unscrewing stuff until you find the drain plug is not a good idea.
So I know we are on the same page but you are referring to this female drain plug here?



I will work on a better one for the passenger side.

And thanks Bunklash for the link.
 
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Old Nov 22, 2011 | 01:16 AM
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with distillate water at 78 cents a gallon, I am not going to the engine block plugs. You will never drain the heater core anyway.
I just buy 6 gallons of DW, drain the radiator, fill up with DW, drive for a day, drain, refill with DW, drive, drain and fill with antifreeze.
With dirty radiator you can go overboard and spend $2.60 for one more flush with DW.
 
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Old Nov 22, 2011 | 02:21 AM
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For those with the 7.3 that ask, for future reference since the OP is nearly a month ago.

Gooch's Coolant Flush Procedure and In-depth coolant information
 
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Old Nov 22, 2011 | 07:22 AM
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Originally Posted by Nixxx
So I know we are on the same page but you are referring to this female drain plug here?

Yes thats what I was talking about.
 
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Old Nov 22, 2011 | 09:38 AM
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quick question, i want to flush my 5.4 but wouldnt drain, fill with distilled water, drive and then repeat mess up the 50/50 water antifreeze? If you flush twice with DW it would have mostly 100% water when you drain and fill with 50/50 antifreeze in the end?
 
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Old Nov 22, 2011 | 09:57 AM
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Don't use 50/50 antifreeze. Buy the straight non diluted anti-freeze. The 50/50 is a complete waste of money IMO. You use one of those anti freeze mix tester bulbs to see what your mix ratio is at to see if you need to add more water or more antifreeze.
 
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Old Apr 20, 2013 | 03:10 PM
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Originally Posted by dkf
Drivers side right below the rear most freeze plug is the one drain plug. You DO NOT want to touch the row of hex head bolts right above the oil pan flange. Those are the cross bolts for the main bearing caps. Thus unscrewing stuff until you find the drain plug is not a good idea.
Ah s**t, Not sure but I may just have done exactly that!

I started unscrewing this bolt and suddenly thought it was probably the wrong one: (excuse the oil/dirt mess)

Is it the 'don't touch' one?

What then, do I have to tear the whole engine apart? Any advice would be great! And yes, you may call me a stupid noob.

Refur
 
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Old Apr 23, 2013 | 04:31 PM
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Nevermind, this IS the coolant drain plug (or at least it pissed out coolant when removed it).
 
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