changing radiator coolant 4.6 V8

74,300

Asked by OJ Mar 19, 2018 at 12:30 PM about the 2010 Ford F-150 XL SuperCab

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Cooling system holds almost 16 quarts.  Drained radiator and only 5 quarts
came out..  Upon checking noticed bottom radiator hose connects to block
several inches below bottom of radiator.  Obviously water will not drain up hill.  
Bottom radiator hose connects to block in arkward location and hard to remove.  
Any other way to drain block, absent removing block drain plugs on each side.

3 Answers

103,235

The only way you're going to get all the coolant out is to remove the block drain plugs. (They're 17mm). Don't forget to open the cap on the coolant overflow/reservoir. You could also bump the starter or run the motor for a few seconds so the water pump pushes out some coolant too.

1 people found this helpful.
74,300

Thanks Ken, that is what I was fearing. Both my plugs are the type which are removed via a 3/8 inch square socket extension. Ford mechanic stated even going that route I will only get about 13 quarts out unless I remove the engine from the vehicle. Wonderful design.

1 people found this helpful.
20

drain radiator and flush with water for 15 minutes then let drain till empty as poss plug refill I used 7 nqts anti full streanth and water the rest.will check for 66/ 44 ratio max after it mixes up driveing.A few quarts in block so full strength to get perfect 2 gal anti freeze almost get 15 year prestone good for 350 k got 21 years m out of factory

2 people found this helpful.

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