I want to learn so much about my truck. I have a 2000 Ranger 3.0L Flex Fuel EXT CAB. I have tried to change my own coolant in the past but I screwed it up. i could never get the whole amount of 14L of 50/50 mix of coolant to go in to the truck a d paniced.

Can someone please take a min or 20min explaining me the exact process and and steps to dumping all coolant and refilling the system completly. i need help and i would like to save money at all costs and that means not taking it somewhere to have it this done if I can do this myself.

Thanks,
TIM

 

you probably wont get "what your maunual says your coolant amount is" into your radiator because there is coolant in your engine that doesnt get drained out when you undo your plug. i wouldnt worry about getting whats specified into the truck,just fill it up.

 

Well Tim, since the auto mfgrs have eliminated block drains, we can't get it all out of the block.

So, I drain the radiator & use a flushing "T" in the heater outlet hose, to back flush the heater core & the block, until it runs clear.

Then I use the "T" to pour in about 2 gallons of distlled water to remove the tap water in the block.

Then remove the "T", close the radiator drain & pour in straight antifreeze, of the quantity that equals 1/2 the coolant systems total capacity, then top off as needed with distilled water.

Run the engine to mix the antifreeze & water well, burp the system & check the coolants specific gravity & adjust it as necessary, with straight antfreeze to get the freeze level right, then a 50/50 mix to bring the after burp level in the coolant reservoir back up to the fill marks.

Once you get the specific gravity adjusted, use only a 50/50 mix of distilled water & antifreeze, in the reservoir.

Trying to do a flush & fill with a 50/50 mix right out of the jug, will likely cause you to come up high on the freeze scale, because that water remaining in the block that can't be drained, will dilute the 50/50 mix, such that you'll never get the freeze level as low as you need.
50/50 mix, is really only meant for toppng off a system already at it's 50/50 mix ratio, or a system you can fully drain.

Anyway thats how I do it & I only buy straight antifreeze & mix my own, much less expensive too!!!!

 

off topic, which tranny do you have, auto or manual?

Matt

 

I have the automatic transmission.

 

ok, do you engine braking when in manual first? (shifted to 1 on the column)

Matt

 

I don't think i understand what you mean by engine brake?????

 

does the truck slow down and the motor rev up when u shift the shifter to first when doing around 25 mph

Matt

 

I Guess. I've Done That Once And Reved Higher And Slowed Down.

 

ok good deal, ford has a major problem with these transmissions blowing a seal in the bottom end and if not treated, it causes major transmission problems. the sad thing is the part is under $4.

Matt