Coolant Change Questions

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Dec 13, 2015 | 11:21 AM

LB_

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Joined: Jul 2002

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From: Alberta, Canada

Coolant Change Questions

Hi,

I can't find many threads on how to change coolant on these trucks. In fact, most of the threads I found suggest that this is a job for the stealerships. I'm trying to understand why???

I have pdfs from the ford workshop manual on how to change both the primary and secondary. Doesn't seem particularly hard. The pdfs even include a section about how to change the coolant without the special vacuum cooling system filler tool.

Also, if I was to change it myself, anyone know how much coolant would be required?

Thanks.

LB

Dec 13, 2015 | 11:38 AM

JReinert

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From: central MN

I have done this numerous times on my truck. I simply drain the primary and secondary coolant systems and refill with Motorcraft specialty orange mixed with distilled water at a 50/50 ratio. I know there is still some left in the system but I do this every 50K miles and I don't bother to test the coolant in between. If I remember right I buy four gallons of coolant and this is enough for both systems. There is some left over and I keep that in the truck for about a week to top of the systems since it takes a little while to get the air out of the system. The coolant comes in at $100 and I have no worries since most of it is changed out every 50K. I do the same thing with the tranny, eight qts to drain the pan and refill every 50K and every 100K I change the tranny filter.

Dec 13, 2015 | 06:20 PM

LB_

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From: Alberta, Canada

Thanks.

Do you bother removing the starter to drain the RH side of the block?

What about the LH side? The manual suggests that I need to "Release the clamp. Disconnect the engine-to-engine oil cooler hose from the engine oil cooler..." I'm not totally clear on which hose they are referring to.

Dec 13, 2015 | 08:15 PM

FishOnOne

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From: The Great State of Texas

I would drain the factory fill and fill the radiator with distilled water and drive for ~15 minutes and drain again. Repeat these steps until the drain fluid is clear. Add the correct amount (look at your owners guide supplement manual) of Ford Red coolant that puts it in the 50-60% range top off with distilled water and you should be good to go.

Dec 14, 2015 | 09:32 AM

LB_

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From: Alberta, Canada

Quote:

Originally Posted by LB_

What about the LH side? The manual suggests that I need to "Release the clamp. Disconnect the engine-to-engine oil cooler hose from the engine oil cooler..." I'm not totally clear on which hose they are referring to.

Never mind. I found the coffee table book. Clearly shows where this hose is.

I'm getting closer...

Dec 14, 2015 | 09:34 AM

LB_

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From: Alberta, Canada

Or maybe I'll do exactly what the two previous posters are suggesting. Just drain what's easy and replace with with either coolant or flush with distilled water.

Dec 14, 2015 | 09:49 AM

troverman

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From: NH

I think you'll get the bulk out by simply dumping what's easy to get at and refilling. If you want all of it out, you could remove the thermostats and then pour water through it until just clean water comes out. Don't forget about the heater core circuit. Then refill properly. Look at JReinert's signature - he has 243k miles on his 6.7; I would just follow his method!