Radiator Fluid-
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Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 32
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Radiator Fluid-
Hello:
I am hoping someone can point me in the direction of how is the best way to get as much of the old radiator fluid out- as possible when I change the fluids in a 2001 Expedition. Is there a flush solution or additve that works well? What are the hazards if such flush methods to an aluminum radiator. Waht is the quickest way to flush and replace- finally---what % mixture of ration is best- as in anti-freeze to water ratio. Is Dextrol good stuff?
Bill
I am hoping someone can point me in the direction of how is the best way to get as much of the old radiator fluid out- as possible when I change the fluids in a 2001 Expedition. Is there a flush solution or additve that works well? What are the hazards if such flush methods to an aluminum radiator. Waht is the quickest way to flush and replace- finally---what % mixture of ration is best- as in anti-freeze to water ratio. Is Dextrol good stuff?
Bill
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,417
Likes: 3
From: Durham, NC
I have used a cooling system process for years, and it has worked very well for me:
1) Drain coolant
2) Remove thermostat, replace thermostat housing with just the gasket.
3) Turn heater on "HIGH"
4) Fill with distilled water
5) Run engine at high idle for 4-5 minutes
6) Drain system
7) Repeat steps 4-6 until system drains clear.
8) Install new thermostat & gasket (I prefer Motorcraft OEM thermostats).
9) Fill system with 50% standard ethylene glycol (green stuff) and 50% distilled water. NO DEXTROL!!!!!!!!!!
1) Drain coolant
2) Remove thermostat, replace thermostat housing with just the gasket.
3) Turn heater on "HIGH"
4) Fill with distilled water
5) Run engine at high idle for 4-5 minutes
6) Drain system
7) Repeat steps 4-6 until system drains clear.
8) Install new thermostat & gasket (I prefer Motorcraft OEM thermostats).
9) Fill system with 50% standard ethylene glycol (green stuff) and 50% distilled water. NO DEXTROL!!!!!!!!!!
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 679
Likes: 0
From: Orlando, Fla
Make sure you use the green fluid, not the orange stuff. The orange stuff will slowly corode the aluminium heads, especially if there is any of the green fluid left in the block. Those two fluids do not get along, they become a severe corosive.
Most of the fluid will drain from the lower hose if you diconnect it. That is after draining the radiator from the petcock. You can also use a water hose and run water up that lower hose, then let it run back out to flush the block. I use a couple old 2 gallon water jugs to drain mine into. A 50/50 mix is generally recommended upon refill. Some say a gallon of fluid and fill the rest with water.
You can get a radiator flush from any parts store, just follow the instructions.
Most of the fluid will drain from the lower hose if you diconnect it. That is after draining the radiator from the petcock. You can also use a water hose and run water up that lower hose, then let it run back out to flush the block. I use a couple old 2 gallon water jugs to drain mine into. A 50/50 mix is generally recommended upon refill. Some say a gallon of fluid and fill the rest with water.
You can get a radiator flush from any parts store, just follow the instructions.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,960
Likes: 5
From: All over Texas
I do it kinda like Bob, but instead of draining the system a couple times, I disconnect the upper radiator hose and put a garden hose in the degas bottle. This way fresh water continuously flows through the entire system and exits the block via the upper hose. It's easy to see when all the old anti-freeze is gone.
50/50 mixture is recommended.....green only.
50/50 mixture is recommended.....green only.
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,417
Likes: 3
From: Durham, NC
Originally Posted by ford390gashog
how do i remove the old coolant in my 03 expy overflow tank
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,417
Likes: 3
From: Durham, NC
Originally Posted by buzzard
I do it kinda like Bob, but instead of draining the system a couple times, I disconnect the upper radiator hose and put a garden hose in the degas bottle. This way fresh water continuously flows through the entire system and exits the block via the upper hose. It's easy to see when all the old anti-freeze is gone.
50/50 mixture is recommended.....green only.
50/50 mixture is recommended.....green only.
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Tuned
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 447
Likes: 0
From: SoCal
Totally agree with the distilled water. My '03 uses the gold coolant which they say is good for 100k, but I don't think I'll wait that long. 
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