nvexplorer
Member
- Joined
- June 24, 2011
- Messages
- 14
- Reaction score
- 5
- City, State
- NV
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 2013 Explorer XLT
Preparing to flush my 13’ XLT for the first time. I’ve done quite a bit of research so far, but have two remaining questions that perhaps folks who have already been down this road can answer.
1). I plan to flush with distilled water until clear, to remove as much of the orange coolant as possible, before refilling with the new replacement, yellow coolant. On my last drain, is sounds like quite a bit of distilled water will remain in the block and heater core. Does anyone know approximately how much concentrate I should add, before completing the refill with 50/50? I’d like to avoid wasting as much new coolant as possible, attempting to get to 50/50.
2). To test the coolant strength when I’m done, I assume it’s best to collect a sample from the radiator drain, as I don’t think the expansion tank contents mixes with the rest of the system when the vehicle is running? This is the first vehicle I’ve owned without a radiator cap, where I would generally test strength.
Thank you for any assistance you can provide.
***Update 6/25/2022***
After 9 years and almost 78k miles, the old orange coolant looked pretty good and clean. I got the system flushed with 10 gallons of distilled water and VC-1 coolant system cleaner. The last four gallons or water came out practically clear. I got 1.25 gallons of new yellow VC-13-G concentrate in, and will run with that for a week or so, and then check the ratio from the drain. Thanks for everyone’s input!
1). I plan to flush with distilled water until clear, to remove as much of the orange coolant as possible, before refilling with the new replacement, yellow coolant. On my last drain, is sounds like quite a bit of distilled water will remain in the block and heater core. Does anyone know approximately how much concentrate I should add, before completing the refill with 50/50? I’d like to avoid wasting as much new coolant as possible, attempting to get to 50/50.
2). To test the coolant strength when I’m done, I assume it’s best to collect a sample from the radiator drain, as I don’t think the expansion tank contents mixes with the rest of the system when the vehicle is running? This is the first vehicle I’ve owned without a radiator cap, where I would generally test strength.
Thank you for any assistance you can provide.
***Update 6/25/2022***
After 9 years and almost 78k miles, the old orange coolant looked pretty good and clean. I got the system flushed with 10 gallons of distilled water and VC-1 coolant system cleaner. The last four gallons or water came out practically clear. I got 1.25 gallons of new yellow VC-13-G concentrate in, and will run with that for a week or so, and then check the ratio from the drain. Thanks for everyone’s input!