Flush and fill coolant system
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New User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 17
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Flush and fill coolant system
I have a 1998 4.6L and want to flush and replace the coolant. I've done various searches but could not locate a good thread on the subject.
-The Haynes manual recommends draining the block but shows a picture of a differnt engine than mine - I have a series of small bolts just above the oil pan and can't be sure which (if any) are going to drain the block.
-The Prestone kit tells you to splice a tee fitting into the intake hose to the heater core and flush the system with a hose. I haven't been able to determine which hose is the intake and also since there is no radiator cap, there is no way to flush the overflow except to disconnect the upper radiator hose - which then doesn't flush the radiator.
-another source said to just disconnect the heater core hose and flush thru the radiator overflow.
-the sticker on top of the radiator cowl says to refer to the owners manusl for flush and fill instructions - guess what? there's nothing about it in the owners manual.
So....do I just drain the radiator and refill with a 50-50 mixture every year and hope for the best?
I see that local garages advertise a "Power Flush & Fill" - anybody know what this is??
-The Haynes manual recommends draining the block but shows a picture of a differnt engine than mine - I have a series of small bolts just above the oil pan and can't be sure which (if any) are going to drain the block.
-The Prestone kit tells you to splice a tee fitting into the intake hose to the heater core and flush the system with a hose. I haven't been able to determine which hose is the intake and also since there is no radiator cap, there is no way to flush the overflow except to disconnect the upper radiator hose - which then doesn't flush the radiator.
-another source said to just disconnect the heater core hose and flush thru the radiator overflow.
-the sticker on top of the radiator cowl says to refer to the owners manusl for flush and fill instructions - guess what? there's nothing about it in the owners manual.
So....do I just drain the radiator and refill with a 50-50 mixture every year and hope for the best?
I see that local garages advertise a "Power Flush & Fill" - anybody know what this is??
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,595
Likes: 52
From: Lawton, Oklahoma
A professional power flush would be good if it is something you can afford. They can do a far better job and you dont have to worry about discarding the hazardous waste or contaminating the environment.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,595
Likes: 52
From: Lawton, Oklahoma
I dont know the price, my shop doesnt have the equipment. I wish we did. It power flushes using an external pumping machine. It removes the old coolant and contamination and then replenishes with fresh coolant. Some of the machines even recycle antifreeze. Similar to the transmission flushing machines shops use today.
