Flush Cooling System

[MiKa]

ok my coolant aint lookin so green these days and I thought it would be a good time to change the whole coolin system, but dont know how to do it so heres a few questions....

What coolant to use and how much of it?

What hoses to disconnect and where?

Do I need to run the heater for a while?

I have done this on my VS commie and it was a piece of piss but am new to the FORD scene and havent played with one at all... Pix would be awsome!!!!

Thx in advance.... Mike

Edited 02/03/07 05:26 AM by MiKa

[MiKa]

Someone must know!!

[Ralph Wiggum]

Coolanr type and Quantity: Read the manual..

Hoses: Remove top radiator hose from thermostat housing. Remove thermostat.

Flush water back into the engine through the thermostat housing (opposite to normal flow) Turn your heater on.

Drain water. Replace thermostat with new seal and refit top hose. Refill system and bleed air out of heater circuit.

done

[awill4x4]

Mika, here is the info direct from Denso (one of the world's largest radiator manufacturers.

Regards Andrew.

Cooling System Flushing Procedure.

Because coolant/inhibitors from different manufactures have different chemical compounds, which may adversely react if mixed, it is important that you DO NOT create a chemical cocktail within your cooling system by mixing different brands of coolant/inhibitor. Even though the coolant has been drained from the system, the inhibitors remain affixed to the cooling system components and must be chemically removed, using a quality alkaline flush.

Procedure:

1: Ensure the cooling system is sound and free from leaks and check all components for wear and condition. If need, replace worn components.

2: Choose a quality alkaline cooling system flush (500mL. Per 12 Litres). Observe the instructions on the container.

3: Replace the radiator cap and run the engine at operating temperature for 15 minutes in 4 cylinder vehicles and 30 minutes in 6 or 8 cylinder vehicles. (Ensure the vehicle heater is turned on).

4: Drain and rinse the cooling system including the overflow bottle and heater core. At this point a power flushing machine may be used if this equipment is available.

And/or:

4a). Rinse the system with clean water until you are convinced that the only fluid remaining in the system is clean water- RINSE- RINSE- RINSE (this may need to be refilled and drained a number of times).

5: Refill the cooling system using clean water (demineralised or distilled water), to perform a stray current check.

6: Do not add coolant at this time until a complete stray current check has been performed (refer to stray current procedure). The presence of stray current will deteriorate the cooling fluid quality immediately.

Always ensure you select a coolant/inhibitor that meets the vehicle manufacturers recommendation or one that meets AS 2108-97 Type A or Type B whichever is recommended as being in support of the vehicles manufacturers recommended coolant performance standard.

7: Ensure the correct rates of coolant/inhibitor is used, as overdosing or underdosing will have a direct affect on the performance of the cooling system and the life of the components including the radiator.

8: Only after the vehicle has been cleared of the possibility of stray current (electrolysis). Rebuild the cooling fluids by first adding the selected product then topping up with clean water (demineralised or distilled water). NOTE: NEVER MIX TWO BRANDS OF COOLANT!

9: Mix a portion of the coolant for the owner to use for topping up coolant level.

Dispose of Waste Fluid Correctly.

NOTE !

Radiator manufacturers warranty does not cover internal or external corrosion.

[BA_XR6Turbo_Ute]

whats peoples experiences with after market coolants. Providing if has been properly flushed. would would be the best for the BA turbo