I have a 2000 f-150 with a 4.2 L V-6 with A/C and the Haynes Repair Manual states there are two coolant block drain plugs however I can only locate the one on the drivers side. The manual also stated the cooling system capacity was 17.9 US quarts or 18.3 litres, however when I replaced the coolant I could only fill the cooling system with about 12 litres. Can anyone help me?

 

There is another block drain plug behind the starter.I removed my starter and piped a drain with a valve beyond the starter.I also added a drain valve to the drivers side.I used all stainless steel fittings with nickel valves.I'm a pipefitter by trade so I have access to any fittings.

 

Thanx for the reply. It appears to be alot of work to remove the starter to axcess the drain plug on the passenger side. Your idea sounds great and perhaps Ford should have implemented a similar set up in order to simplify changing the coolant. This also explains why I couldn't fill the cooling system with 18 quarts of coolant as I didn'nt drain the passanger side of the block. This also explains why my Ford dealer has not changed the coolant in the last six years even though I have followed the suggested maintenance schedule.The plug on the Drivers side was a screw type with a 3/8 inch square head which was a "pita" to unscrew. I ended up using a 6 inch long 3/8th rachet extention turned backwards and a wrench to take out this plug. I couldn't locate a similar plug on the passenger side of the block. There appeared to be another type of plug on the block near the starter about an inch in diameter that required a hex wrench to undo , however it was impossible to reach with the starter in place. Is this the other coolant plug or is it similar to the driver's side plug which I couldn'nt see because the starter was in the way? Thank you again for your valuable assistance.

 

I unplug it at the heater core and just run water into it untell i see clear water comeing out.

 

Thanx for the reply. This sound like another great idea. When using this method are you able to drain all of the coolant out both sides of the block?

 

the ford dealer won't remove the drain plugs as its just not needed. they will flush from the heater hose and drain through the lower radiator hose.

 

Thank you for your advise. The next time I change the coolant I will remember your instructions.