Is just draining and replacing the coolant enough?
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Where the war is...
Is just draining and replacing the coolant enough?
I've read several posts and an article on this board that describes the coolant service for 5.4 engines as basically just draining the radiator, adding water and running engine, draining again, and then adding the correct coolant mixture on top of that. My question is: Shouldn't you also run some type of flush solution with the clear water, to clean out the block? If you are doing this at home and don't have access to a 'power flushing system', what is the best way to ensure you get a real good cooling system clean out. In other vehicles I owned over the years, I just installed a flushing t-fitting in a heater hose and relied upon the 40 psi fresh water connection from my house to flush it out (after running a flush solution in it). I have already had the first flush done by the dealer, I think at 30k; now I'm at 67k and am looking to flush it again but by myself. Is the procedure described in the forum article really sufficient enough in terms of cleaning out and protecting the 5.4 cooling system? Thoughts/opinions/suggested would be appreciated. Thanks
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2003
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If the coolant is in good shape when you take it out all you need to do is replace it. If it's grungy/rusty, I'd add the flush kit. With the aluminium head our motors have you want to stay away from an acid flush but the simple alcohol base is fine.
At my dealership, they simply evacuate the system and draw in what was taken out; no power flushing involved. I too like the little prestone kit that splices into the heater line.
At my dealership, they simply evacuate the system and draw in what was taken out; no power flushing involved. I too like the little prestone kit that splices into the heater line.
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