Coolant - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

Knight · 06-02-2002, 04:32

this may be a stupid question,
but ..

I need to replace my radiator water with coolant, do i first drain the water? and if so, how do i drain it?
on an EF

ebxr8240 · 06-02-2002, 06:51

Disc bottom hose,have fun.I fill and flush twice so heater lines are done as well..

Fairlane Boy · 06-02-2002, 18:46

why on earth have you only got water in it atm with no coolant?

I was told this was a big no no when i had an ef as it coroded the alloy head??

svo347 · 06-02-2002, 18:48

Dont skimp.... Depending on when your cooling system was last serviced, take it to a proffessional Workshop where they can actually Reverse flush the whole system ( radiator&Block) You'd be surprised at the crap that comes out. Otherwise open the heater switch & remove bott hose. flush with tap water. Then install hose Add coolant & only use Distilled water, thats all i ever use.

Knight · 06-02-2002, 18:55

Where is Bottom hose and heater switch located?

Water is realy rusty :( :(

svo347 · 06-02-2002, 19:04

The heater switch is inside the cabin, the switch you use when you want hot air not cold from the aircon.. The bottom hose is the lower hose connected to the radiator.. If you have rusty coloured water do yaself a favour mate get it done properly as you wont be able to get all the gritty stuff out trust me....

laminge · 06-02-2002, 19:38

Quote:

Originally posted by svo302
The heater switch is inside the cabin, the switch you use when you want hot air not cold from the aircon.. The bottom hose is the lower hose connected to the radiator.. If you have rusty coloured water do yaself a favour mate get it done properly as you wont be able to get all the gritty stuff out trust me....

Very good advice., specially when hald the crap is forced out the system professionaly

dcstraight · 06-03-2002, 00:39

While on the topic people, I would like to get something cleared up. The radiator reservoir (clear bubble plastic thingy near that battery) - should you add water to that or Coolant where possible ? ie is it better to always add coolant instead of water *PERIOD* or are you supposed to put water in there as well as coolant. Sorry for the *probably more than obvious answer* question, but my old man was stuck in his ways when he owned the car before me ;-) I knew that there was the risk of rusting the alloy head, so please if someone can point me in the right direction, I'll go out and buy some tectaloy tonight !

Thanks guys,
Steve

svo347 · 06-03-2002, 00:48

It really depends mate.. I always try to add coolant where possible to reduce the chances of diluting the mixture. Mix with distilled water where possible

dcstraight · 06-03-2002, 00:56

Thanks svo - so basically whenever I see the light on the dash say 'feed me more coolant' - I should put in coolant instead of water ? When you say it depends, do you mean depending on the coolant ? - ie some coolant requires mixing with water if you go for the concentrate. Sorry to be a dumb$hit on the matter, but I'd just like to know what is good / bad for me wagon =]

Thanks again,
Steve

Edit : The only reason I ask, is that I do remember a mechanic telling me that the reservoir actually needs to have special Ford red coolant in it or something - I preusmed he meant any coolant would be ok that wouldn't rust the alloy head - your thoughts ? atm, it's clear as I usually put water in it when it needs it (not too often).