I need to flush and clean the cooling system in my 2000 F150 5.4. It's nasty since the HG blew. I'm sure it still has some oil and Barsleak in it and the coolant looks like crap as well as the degas bottle.

So here's the plan. I have the Prestone flush kit that tees into the heater lines. I was going to use this to purge most of the crap coolant. Then I'm going to clean the degas bottle out. It's seriously nasty were stuff has accumulated at the water line. Then run some Presone Super Cleaner in there per directions unless someone has a better idea on that. After flushing that out, refill with 50/50 coolant. I assume this uses the regular green stuff.

Does anybody know of anything that will fit over the degas bottle opening so I can route the waste to the drain? The prestone kit didn't have anything that would fit.

Mike

 

i drained the radiator first using the radiator pet ****. then i put the hose on the TEE, cranked it wide open and just let the pet **** blow and also overflow the top tank. I also took the top radiator hose off and let some flush out there. it dont pour out as fast as you think. i put the hose on and let it flow out the cap, then put the cap on and let it flow out the hose, etc. It works, but you dont see "lots of crud" come out as you would expect. Also check the Prestone TEE. Seems like it had some restiriction in it and i removed that to get more water flow.

 

I don't have a floor drain at the house yet and don't really want to do this at the firehouse so I was hoping to be able to capture the waste coolant and direct it to the tub in the garage.

I don't think you understand how nasty my coolant is from the engine ordeal. There is stuff crystalizing on the inside of the degas bottle. I wouldn't be suprised if the cure for cancer is in there.

Mike

 

I second that, the flush tee is nice for flushing, but don't leave them in there all the time. They can restrict flow to the heater, and I have had 3 tees fail, resulting in coolant leaks. When you are don flushing, remove the tee and replace it with a durable plastic or brass splice.

 

yes, drain the radiator first to get 90% of teh antifreeze out. you can refill with water and drain again, thru the petcock, inot a bucket. final flush is to just let it overflow. as i said, at taht point your not getting much out except water and a small amount of crud.

 

It makes me nervous to just let it overflow. I have a dog and I like the dog more than most people so I wouldn't want to risk her drinking the coolant.

Mike