I am almost at the point where I am going to be starting my 1992 F150 5.0 soon for the first time after my re-seal job. Since my engine was out and on a stand, I of course no longer have any coolant in the block itself. Before startup I really want the block to be full of coolant to prevent it from getting too hot until the thermostat opens. How would I go about doing this? Can I disconnect a heater hose and fill it through that and then fill the radiator and keep adding when needed? Any advice or input would be much appreciated. Thanks.

 

Don't install the thermostat, leave the radiator cap off while you first run, and top off as necessary.

 

I will do that if there's no other option but is there any other method rather than taking the thermostat housing off again?

 

Disconnect the uppermost heater hose at the engine end and fill the radiator as normal. Reconnect the heater hose when coolant comes pouring out.

Some engine blocks will fill right up without doing this. I found that my 4.9 six cylinder was a beast to fill until I tried this method. I realize you have a 5.0.

 

Is this where you are talking about filling it from? The hose that goes to this?

 

I would just fill it with a 50/50 mix then run it until warmed up with the cap off. Then let it cool down and top off. I have never had a problem with the system bleeding itself out.

 

I'm not sure who you are asking. I meant to just fill it at the radiator(as usual) and when coolant comes pouring out where the top most heater hose hooks to, reconnect the heater hose. The system should then be fairly full. As mentioned check the level again after running.