My truck is a 2001 with a 4.6 and its time to do a coolant flush, i would like to do a complete flush, whick antifreeze would you guys recomend and if there is a video or how to post of how to perform a complete flush it would be very helpful, i searched and couldnt find any. thanks for any info in advance!! it is much appreciated!!

 

I like Peak my self, never ave any problems with it , I always just drain and fill with water and repeat a second time then drain and fill with new anti freeze/coolant

 

i think it takes a specific type of anti-freeze. Might check the owners manual.

 

really? hmm I didnt do the last flush so it may be a specific one

 

I use the concentrated green prestone and mix with distilled water. Just did mine the other day. I did not do the "full drain" just drained the radiator, filled with water and ran to operating temps, flushed twice then filled with antifreeze.

 

yeah the kind that doesnt freeze

GM strictly uses Dexcool, Fords can use whatever, even straight water. I run a 50/50 mix of distilled water and wal-mart cheapo coolant @ $15/bottle.

 

Green Prestone 50/50, which it doesn't matter, it mixes with every color so it says. Last time I flushed, drained as much as I could, started it up, had t-stat out and ran the hose down there. The bottom hose was off. After letting it drain, a full fill of 50/50 is what I used. Change the stat too when doing this, just a bit of prev. maintenance. Also, nows a good time to change the factory clamps (crap) for screw type.

 

And don't forget to flush the radiator, too

 

Do NOT use Dexcool in a Ford. That's about the only stuff that you can't safely use.

Whatever you use, it's best to flush all the old stuff out - and this is required when changing types of coolant - such as from factory fill Motorcraft gold long life to standard green stuff.

I don't buy into distilled water like a lot of you here do - if you change it often enough tap water is fine, the coolant itself has plenty of anti-corrosion additives. I also won't buy 50-50 premix, it's a waste of money.

Last time I did mine, I drained the radiator, refilled it, ran it, drained again, repeated till the drain was completely clear. Then I filled it with standard Autozone house brand 100% coolant to approximately 50% strength.

If you are concerned about the environment, or you have neighborhood *****, take it to a shop to have done with a machine that recycles the old coolant and/or has proper disposal facilities. Technically, dumping engine coolant down a drain is a no-no.

 

Cool i learned something! I thought there was a specific type you had to use. Sorry, was a long-time GM guy...

Thanks for the tips guys! I just took it to a shop last time, as i live in an apartment complex.

 

Or have pets that might get into it. My dad lost 2 dogs doing a flush a few years back. Slow death and nothing the vet could do about it. Said 1 tsp can kill a full sized dog.

As far as distilled water, like you said if it is changed enough it would not be a big deal but most people would neglect of all fluids, the coolant. Myself being one a long time ago. I have seen what hard tap/city water can do to a coolant system without being changed for 6 years/ 100k or so.. wasnt pretty. A lot of caked on rust/corrosion and lost a few radiators/heater cores. My own negligence. Also, depends where your at and what kind of water you have. After reading what is all in the water I have (city) in my tap, I choose to use distilled water.

"The minerals and ions typically found in tap water can be corrosive to internal engine components, and can cause a more rapid depletion of the anti-corrosion additives found in most antifreeze formulations."

 

Thanks for all the info guys, ill go on the safe side with distilled water being and mix it with the green prestone coolant and change the thermostat while im doing this, and how often should a coolant flush be done? i have had the truck for almost 5 years and only drained the radiator once so im sure this is a bit overdue.

 

I'd say do it every 3-5 years or 60k miles, the owners manual has a interval schedule to follow as well.

 

If you are using conventional coolant, do it at least every 3 years.

 

I had a COP stop at my house once because Some antifreeze got away from me and down the driveway. He said to catch it in a bucket and flush it down the toilet so it goes to the water treatment plant. So now thats what I do and I hope he is right, But I have his name and badge number if it ever becomes and issue...lol
I remove the heater hose on top. thermostat and the lower hose. Put the T-stat housing back on and Push water through the heater hose and run heat to flush the heater core too. That shoud clean her out pretty good. I personally run a minimum of 60/40 mix due to freezing winters and 115 degree summers.