5.0L Coolant service

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jun 20, 2015 | 02:27 PM

Buck268

Thread Starter

More Turbo

Joined: Feb 2003

Posts: 532

Likes: 0

From: Grand Rapids, MI

5.0L Coolant service

Well, it looks like its about time to do coolant on the 2011 5.0L based on visual condition and years, even if mileage isnt there yet. In the past I have dont vehicles by just draining the rad and topping up, sometimes a couple times. Is there a better way on the 2011 F150? Looks like teh petcock is in a decent spot on the passenger side and I should be able to fit a little hose in it. Is there any way to drain the block? Any tips on filling? Also, looked up Ford WSS-M97B44-D and it looks like its basically Dex-Cool, in which case I am comfortable using either the spec'd motorcraft coolant or Zerex Dex-Cool depending on what I find cheaper...

I don't much plan to spend $110 to have the dealer do this job, just looking for tips to avoid any hang ups

Jun 20, 2015 | 11:00 PM

paredneck33

Logistics Pro

Joined: Jan 2005

Posts: 3,534

Likes: 85

From: penn twp.

You may want to reconsider having the dealer flush the system. Especially if all they are going to charge you $110. That's really a pretty good price. And aside from the cost of paying someone to do the job vs. you doing it yourself, they have a machine that drains flushes with water and cleaner, then vacuum suctions all of that out and refills with fresh 50/50 mixed coolant. And the best part is they'll properly dispose of your old coolant. Which depending on where you live could be a major task to find a recycle center. I know around my area there is no where to take my old coolant that I flushed a few years ago from my wifes last Taurus. I called the municipal offices, local parts stores, service centers, and salvage yards. No one will take it. And I even offered to pay them to dispose of my old coolant and no one will take it. So right now it's sitting in a couple 5 gallon buckets in garage. So I suggest if you plan to flush it yourself, that you check around first to see if you have a local place to recycle your old coolant.

Jun 20, 2015 | 11:10 PM

paredneck33

Logistics Pro

Joined: Jan 2005

Posts: 3,534

Likes: 85

From: penn twp.

Oh keep in mind that the engine block itself holds about half of the coolant required to fill the system completely. Also the only way to be sure that you get all of the water out of the block ( if you plan on using premixed coolant and maintaining 50/50 mixture) would be to disconnect the lower radiator hose and run the truck for short periods of time. Keeping a very close eye on the engine temps, so not to overheat and warp the block and/or heads. Which is very easily done when dealing with aluminum engines and heads. Otherwise be sure to get concentrate coolant and the proper coolant tester and add just enough coolant to the plain water that's in the block to achieve and maintain the 50/50 mix.

Jun 24, 2015 | 12:27 PM

Buck268

Thread Starter

More Turbo

Joined: Feb 2003

Posts: 532

Likes: 0

From: Grand Rapids, MI

Think I am going to cave and let the dealer do the flush this time and just go for yearly radiator drain/fill from here out. Does anybody know if and where the block drain(s) on the 5.0L coyote is?

Jun 24, 2015 | 02:42 PM

Turbo Dog

Cargo Master

Joined: Sep 2012

Posts: 3,061

Likes: 39

From: Laramie, WY

I don't recommend running the engine without the coolant in it. The temperature sensor is measuring the temperature of the coolant not the aluminum. Once you remove the lower radiator hose there won't be very much left in the block.

And yes, it can be hard to find a way to dispose of it properly.

Jun 24, 2015 | 02:48 PM

Turbo Dog

Cargo Master

Joined: Sep 2012

Posts: 3,061

Likes: 39

From: Laramie, WY

The best way to determine the health of your coolant is to measure the ph. You can usually get test strips at an auto parts store.

Jun 25, 2015 | 07:46 PM

paredneck33

Logistics Pro

Joined: Jan 2005

Posts: 3,534

Likes: 85

From: penn twp.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buck268

Think I am going to cave and let the dealer do the flush this time and just go for yearly radiator drain/fill from here out. Does anybody know if and where the block drain(s) on the 5.0L coyote is?

I think that is a good choice to have the dealer do the coolant service. But I have to ask, why, on the yearly service? They will refill with the same extended life coolant that was used in the factory fill. So you'll be good for another 5yrs./150,000 miles. I mean other than your own peace of mind, you'll be throwing your hard earned money away on that service.