I've got a 2001 w/ the 5.4 and 40k miles. I was going to change the coolant this weekend and was looking for advice on draining the block. There appears to be a block drain on the drivers side (hex bolt) and possibly one on the passenger side which is a square head bolt towards the front of the engine. I was told that some engines can get air trapped inside and cause "hot spots" but my Haynes manual says to drain the block. Does anyone know if this is a potential problem on the 5.4 and if so, how to avoid it?

 

not going there

you will get 1000 diffrent replies from 500 people

drain (catch the drainage in something)

flush (3 tousand diffrent ways)

and refill

...zap!

 

Refill the cooling system through the thermostat housing, as much as it'll hold, then top off in the degas bottle. This'll minimize any chances of an air pocket.