So I'm a little overdue for my first round of PM, got the basics on hand to do the usual oil and change and stuff, and for the first time spark plugs, and coolant. 115k on it now.

I bought the motorcraft gold from Ford, he said unless i pulled everything apart I'll likely only need 6 gallons so that is what I bought - 3 gallons of coolant and 3 of distilled water.

Well I drained it today, but didn't really measure how much came out until I was refilling and it only took about 3 gallons. Huh? So I drained my tub into a 5 gallon bucket and sure enough it went just a little above half way. Is there something else I have to do other than the drain valve on the bottom corner near the radiator? Think it's ok as is, apparently only half new?

 

You didn't tell us what motor you've got, but that's okay. For most people a simple drain and fill is sufficient. You can choose to do a full system flush if you prefer.

 

It's a V10. Kinda crazy...I remember the OP's thread when he picked that truck up from the dealer. Think you ordered it, didn't ya?

As to your question, there's a block drain plug. On my 2V engine it was near the oil filter housing, and it required an Allen-head socket to unscrew.

 

Sounds like you only got what was in the radiator and not the block. You should replace the thermostat when you do this job. the truck should be nose down or on flat ground for best results. When filling the truck needs to be on flat ground to make sure that you get all the air out of the system. Maybe nose up would work best to remove the air from the back of the block. This is something that I would have done because there isn't any place around here to dump the old antifreeze.

 

I would just remove the thermostat and with a shop vac blow out all the old antifreeze.

 

Unfortunately the ford manual doesn't really give you any help in these matters, my Subaru has pictures and arrows of the drain locations and everything.

Yeah ordered it in '09, with the V10 and 6speed. Been a great truck so far, nothing wrong other than a caliper sticking a few times and flaky cruise control. The CC problem is a pita when I'm on the highway though (almost every drive). Are you the Tom that used to leave by Columbus?

Did the 2V have remote oil filter housings? I don't think there is anything around my oil filter but I'll poke my head under there next time and check it out.

Did you catch the part where I already refilled it?

Should I waste the 3 gallons of new stuff I already put back in or just leave it be, but maybe step up the next change interval to maybe a couple years from now and drain it better next time?
The Bone thanks for the advice there, I'll remember when I do it again. Do you think at the Ford garage they do the nose up nose down thing? Just curious, it makes sense, but can't say I've been around a shop where they put the trucks at big angles while doing this.


A/Ox4 it was in my sig but I do forget people view these forums now-a-days on smartphones and whatever and I hear they don't show the sigs. maybe I'll just do the whole flush next time.

 

Yup, that would be me. I went back on active duty in 2010 and was moved to Wisconsin, Connecticut, and now Minnesota.

Nope, it was mounted on the side of the block, with an oil cooler sandwiched between the filter and the adapter. It took me a minute to find the drain, it's about a 1/2" plug that goes right into the side of the block.

 

It has been a while since I messed with coolant. But I assume you can still check it for protection. Coolant in itself main purpose is to raise the boiling point and lower the freezing point and inhibit corrosion. You may find your engine will run hotter than normal.




Personally I would dump about one gallon and refill with the water.

 

Did you catch the part where I already refilled it?

Should I waste the 3 gallons of new stuff I already put back in or just leave it be, but maybe step up the next change interval to maybe a couple years from now and drain it better next time?


Ok I think I would drain it and do over. Your idea might be ok? but I wouldn't want to take a chance.