Coolant replacement.

[hot57chev]

My 1998 explorer has 75,000 kms now, whats the best way to get old coolent out of block to do a proper change?
Thanks

 

[gijoecam]

Pull the lower radiator hose off and let it drain. Seems the most logical way to me... Cracking the upper hose at the t'stat housing may help too..

 

[BrooklynBay]

You could install a flush tee, and connect a garden hose to it. There is an adapter which connects like a radiator cap, and has a garden hose connection if you don't want to cut any hoses. Check # 22 in my list of useful threads for more information: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=162848

 

[gijoecam]

You could install a flush tee, and connect a garden hose to it. There is an adapter which connects like a radiator cap, and has a garden hose connection if you don't want to cut any hoses. Check # 22 in my list of useful threads for more information: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=162848

Once flushed, don't you still need to completely drain the block to get the proper mixture of coolant back into it?

 

[alohamonte]

75,000... sounds like its been a while. i'd recommend using a flush treatment to remove radiator scale and replace the radiator cap, tstat, and heater control valve all at the same time.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Once flushed, don't you still need to completely drain the block to get the proper mixture of coolant back into it?

Yes. You could open the petcock on the bottom of the radiator, then fill it with the proper mixture.

 

[96eb96]

Yes. You could open the petcock on the bottom of the radiator, then fill it with the proper mixture.

some cars retain up to a gallon in the engine block. You have to compensate for this by adding straight coolant after you flush with water when you refill, unless you open the engine freeze plugs. 4.6L engines are like that.

 

[Cobraguy]

What engine? If this is a 5.0, and you want to flush the system, remove the thermostat, re-install the housing and flush according to whatever product you use. When completed, drain the radiator AND the block. To drain the block, there are drain plugs on each side of the block that take a hex head to remove. But good luck getting them out if they have never been removed. If you clean the bolts well so you can get a good bite...and apply some heat, they will sometimes come out. But if they don't, just leave them and go to plan B...which may be better anyway. Unfasten the upper and lower hoses from the radiator and stick a water hose in the upper hose. (thermostat is still out) Turn on the water and watch the crud come out of the lower hose. Run it that way for a while until the water is clean from the lower hose. I would also use a hose to finish flushing and cleaning the heater core. Hook back up the hoses, install a new thermostat, and look up the cooling capacity of the vehicle. Fill exactly half the capacity with UNDILUTED antifreeze. i.e. if you have a 16 quart capacity, fill with 8 quarts of antifreeze (2 gallons). Top off whatever is left with water and you have a 50/50 mix of coolant. Be sure and follow the correct procedures for bleeding any air from the cooling system.

Whatever you do, do not leave flush chemicals in the block! Get them out of there by draining the block or flushing by removing the hoses.

Other engines should be able to follow similar procedures.

 

[hot57chev]

What engine? If this is a 5.0, and you want to flush the system, remove the thermostat, re-install the housing and flush according to whatever product you use. When completed, drain the radiator AND the block. To drain the block, there are drain plugs on each side of the block that take a hex head to remove. But good luck getting them out if they have never been removed. If you clean the bolts well so you can get a good bite...and apply some heat, they will sometimes come out. But if they don't, just leave them and go to plan B...which may be better anyway. Unfasten the upper and lower hoses from the radiator and stick a water hose in the upper hose. (thermostat is still out) Turn on the water and watch the crud come out of the lower hose. Run it that way for a while until the water is clean from the lower hose. I would also use a hose to finish flushing and cleaning the heater core. Hook back up the hoses, install a new thermostat, and look up the cooling capacity of the vehicle. Fill exactly half the capacity with UNDILUTED antifreeze. i.e. if you have a 16 quart capacity, fill with 8 quarts of antifreeze (2 gallons). Top off whatever is left with water and you have a 50/50 mix of coolant. Be sure and follow the correct procedures for bleeding any air from the cooling system.

Whatever you do, do not leave flush chemicals in the block! Get them out of there by draining the block or flushing by removing the hoses.

Other engines should be able to follow similar procedures.

Its a V6 4 lit
I am worried about stuff left in the block
your way sounds pretty good
thanks

 

[BTR]

Bleed Air From Cooling System

How do you bleed air from the cooling system (when doing a radiator flush and coolant change)?