Time to flush the radiator and I would like to get both the radiator and the block flushed. I would rather not have to mess with the cylinder block drain plugs (I hear they're a b*tch to get to).

Has anyone used the Prestone "flush 'n fill" kit? Says it works on "most" cars and trucks by splicing into the heater inlet hose to allow backflushing of the entire system. I'd like to know specifically if it works with a '97 4.6L? I'm a bit hesitant to start splicing any hoses until I know this thing really works.

Will this actually do a good job flushing both the radiator and the block?

If it does flush both rad. and block, what is the total fluid capacity so I know how much antifreeze and water to put back in?

Also, I'm not sure which type of antifreeze is in there now (it's orange...that I know). Can I flush then put in green or does it have to be orange? Can I use Dex-cool with either type?

Sorry so long...Thanks in advance for all your advice.

"97 F150 4.6L 4x4 Offroad Pkg
K&N FIPK Gen II
Hellwig Antisway Bar
Original Factory Door Cracks (both sides!!!)

 

I actually bought the kit and it didn't work. There was no place to plumb in the garden hose adapter (that was accessible) nor is there a radiator cap since the overflow tank is pressurized and integrated into the system.

I wasted my money...

I just drained the block on the driver's side, and the radiator and that left me with plenty of 'space' for a proper ratio of 50/50 coolant/water. You can get to the drain pretty easily on the driver's side and the radiator drain plug is a slam-dunk. Just a hex socket, which I recall being 3/8" but I might be mistaken, on a ratchet and 6" extension worked fine. I could see if you tried to use an allen wrench you would have issues since you need some leverage and the plug is up there a ways.

Through the whole process of draining, filling, running, cooling, draining, filling, running, cooling, draining and then finally filling with coolant/water probably took me no more than an hour to an hour-15 at the most.

Do a search and find the threads in this forum. There was some good advice in there that worked fine for me.

 

Thanks for the info on the kit. I saved the receipt and will take it back. Looks like the ol' fashion way is probably best.