2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Coolant Flush and Fill

[BroncoMarc]

What's the easist way to flush and fill the coolant?



I was just going to disconnect the lower radiator hose, then stick a hose in the upper to flush the block out, then add anti-freeze till I have the right mixture. But now I read that I should't use tap water.



What's the easiest way? I don't have a hose full of distilled water

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

Here's an old thread I posted on how I did it:

Here's how I did mine and I got approximately 5. 5 gallons into the system, first I opened the petcock on the radiator (turn it, then pull on it a little, turn, pull, turn, pull - until it starts draining), that will drain the fluid out of the overflow bottle, once the overflow bottle is empty then take the radiator cap off. Now pull the hose connector off the top of the engine and remove the thermostat. Once it stops draining, pour distilled water into both the inside and outside holes in the thermostat hole until you see clear water flowing out of the radiator. Now pour in straight 100% coolant into those same two holes until you see coolant running out the radiator. Close the radiator petcock. Some of the water and some of the 100% coolant will be trapped in the system - should be around 50/50. Now pour in either pre-mix or mix 50% coolant with 50% distilled water in through the thermostat hole until the system is as full as you can get it. Then put the new thermostat in and the top radiator hose connector. Finish filling the radiator with the mix, close the radiator cap and then fill the overflow bottle. Run the truck until it's warmed up (so the thermostat opens) and then check the overflow bottle again.



Using this method I was able to get in approximately 5. 5 gallons (actually poured in more than that but some of it pours out) and I didn't have any problems with trapped air because I was backfilling the system from the engine to the radiator. You want to use distilled water only so you don't get mineral deposits in your coolant system.

 

[Fireman]

Marc,



There was a good article in the "Register" about this procedure. I believe it was in #35, but I am not positive. If you go by this it is very easy, and takes no time. You can buy distilled water a the grocery for less than $1. 00/gal



Fireman

 

[B9Mile]

Put a piece of flexible (Tygon) tubing on the petcock nipple to route the draining coolant. This way you can fill your containers with it without having coolant dribble all over everything under there.