simple coolant question???
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New User
Joined: Apr 2010
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simple coolant question???
Man I hope you guys can help. I was simply wanting to replace as much coolant as I could without doing a whole flush. So I pulled the lower radiator hose and drained, and reconnected the hose. Then I siphoned out all the fluid in the resevoir, and filled that back up with new fluid. So I thought the hard part was over. This radiator has no cap (2002) 2.3L 2wd manual. The issue is none of the fluid in the resevoir is draining, it just sits there. So I figure I'll start the engine with the heater on and it will start draining--NOPE NO WAY. I ran it for 1 minute and shut it down fearing damage to something. I hope someone can tell me the best way to fill this system back up so I can drive my sweet truck. PLEASE HELP A BROTHER trucker. thanks a million!!!!!!!
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2004
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The 2001 Service Manual has the following steps for the 2.3L:
Fill the system throught the fill cap to 15mm (1/2") above the maximum fill level
install the fill cap
start the engine and hold at 2,500 RPM engine speed for approximately eight minutes until the thermostat opens
maintain 2,500 RPM engine speed for an additonal three minutes
Increase engine speed to 4,000 RPM and hold for five seconds
Return engine speed to 2,500 RPM and hold for an additional three minutes
Stop the engine and check for leaks
Verify correct fluid level after engine cools for 20 minutes, top off the degas bottle to "max" line.
Fill the system throught the fill cap to 15mm (1/2") above the maximum fill level
install the fill cap
start the engine and hold at 2,500 RPM engine speed for approximately eight minutes until the thermostat opens
maintain 2,500 RPM engine speed for an additonal three minutes
Increase engine speed to 4,000 RPM and hold for five seconds
Return engine speed to 2,500 RPM and hold for an additional three minutes
Stop the engine and check for leaks
Verify correct fluid level after engine cools for 20 minutes, top off the degas bottle to "max" line.
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2004
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Take it to Ford and let them do it, you'll never know.
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Ive tried adding fluid above the overflow tubes (above the fill mark) I know none of my lines are blocked. I ran it today , the upper hose got hot but the lower hose never got hot. the temp gauge barely moved off the cold mark. should I just run this thing similiar to the above service manual post? or either until either the temp gauge raises to the normal range? I just dont want to warp the head or do any other damage. I find it hard to believe that Im the only one that has had this problem. thanks guys keep the post coming!!
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is there a way for a dummy to tell when the thermostat opens?? Is it when the lower hose gets hot?
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Here's hoping your thermostat isn't bad. The one in newer 2.3 is sold as a unit with a sensor and electric heating element and it is kinda pricey. It isn't the old inexpensive thermostat that we all know well from the past.
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well i bit the bullet, took it to a rad shop and they put a vacuum on the system then sucked in the fluid. I guess I'll need to buy one of those vacuum valves for 90bucks. But I'll try my shop vac first next time
