Folks I could use some help, I would like to replace engine coolant in my 98 F-150 with the 5.4. But I'll be darned if I can locate any of the pet****s to drain the radiator or the engine. Any help you can offer would be very much appreciated.

 

I can't help you with the pet****, but if you want to drain it just remove the lower radiatior hose from the radiator. Drains alot faster too. Then flush it with water and you're good to go.

 

Read the owners manual though. With mine (2000) you need to use 50/50 mixture anifreeze and distilled water.

 

Welcome to F150online !!
The radiator pit**** is near the bottom of the radiator on the passenger's side tank. Open your hood and look down the underhood side of your radiator. You can flush the system without draining the block.

 

Ok, if anyone doesn't know what's being talked about, (the forum SW is filtering part of the word for obvious reasons) they are talking about the P-e-t-c-o-c-k. You know, the drain thingy that is a valve you unscrew and it drains through the center.

 

If you want to drain and refill that is fine, but you will not get all of the coolant out. You can however, disconnect the return hose and open your radiator cap. Start your truck and get a water hose ready. When the truck warms up, the thermostat will open as soon as it does, put that hose in the radiator cap and make sure you keep the radiator full. The old coolant will go thru the return line and into a bucket or driveway or yard, whatever. When it runs clear you can then refill with coolant. You can also get a cheap flush kit from wal-mart that essentially does the same thing. Keep in mind that distilled water is always best to reduce corrosion, but if you flush it once a year or so, you should be good to go.

 

What radiator cap? You mean Dodge's still have such old technology.

Actually I don't think what you suggest will work as the only coolant fill cap is in the overflow tank.

 

I replaced my thermostat a few weeks ago on my 01 L. Get a 2 foot 3/8" vacuum hose and place it on the 'nipple' next to the 'drain-nut'. The 'nut' is a white nylon piece located at the bottom corner of the radiator on the rt. side. It's either a 3/4 or 7/8" 'nut'. When you back it out, the coolant can be guided into a low container with the vacuum hose. Yes, you can refill by pouring the new water/coolant mix into the coolant reservoir. You can get an inexpensive 'service manual' from Auto Zone, etc. and it will provide instructions with pics for locating those pesky 'drain nuts', etc.

Dan

 

I want to thank everyone for their help with the radiator and coolant, sure I'll let everyone know how I make out. I want to flush the entire system since it is the orginal coolant that came in the truck.