Service the cooling system (drain, flush and refill) Ford F150
Warning: Do not allow antifreeze to come in contact with your skin or painted surfaces of the vehicle. Rinse off spills immediately with plenty of water. Antifreeze is highly toxic if ingested. Never leave antifreeze lying around in an open container or in puddles on the floor; children and pets are attracted by its sweet smell and may drink it. Check with local authorities about disposing of used antifreeze. Many communities have collection centers which will see that antifreeze is disposed of safely.
1. Periodically, the cooling system should be drained, flushed and refilled to replenish the antifreeze mixture and prevent formation of rust and corrosion, which can impair the performance of the cooling system and cause engine damage. When the cooling system is serviced, all hoses and the expansion tank cap should be checked and replaced if necessary.
Draining
2. Apply the parking brake and block the wheels. If the vehicle has just been driven, wait several hours to allow the engine to cool down before beginning this procedure.
3. Once the engine is completely cool, remove the expansion tank cap (see Fluid level checks: the engine oil level, the engine coolant level, the windshield washer fluid level, the brake fluid level).
The radiator drain fitting is located at the bottom-left corner of the radiator
4. Move a large container under the radiator drain to catch the coolant. Attach a 3/8-inch diameter hose to the drain fitting, if available, to direct the coolant into the container, then open the drain fitting with a screwdriver. Allow time for the coolant to drain completely.
If equipped, the block drain plugs (arrow) are generally located about one to two inches above the oil pan — there is one on each side of the engine block
5. After the coolant stops flowing out of the radiator, move the container under the engine block drain plugs (if equipped) and allow the coolant in the block to drain.
6. While the coolant is draining, check the condition of the radiator hoses, heater hoses and clamps (refer to Section 15 if necessary). Replace any damaged clamps or hoses.
7. Reinstall the block drain plugs and tighten them securely.
Flushing
8. Close the radiator drain fitting, then fill the cooling system with clean water, following the Refilling procedure (see Step 14).
9. Start the engine and allow it to reach normal operating temperature, then rev up the engine a few times.
10. Turn the engine off and allow it to cool completely, then drain the system as described earlier.
11. Repeat Steps 8 through 10 until the water being drained is free of contaminants.
12. In severe cases of contamination or clogging of the radiator, remove the radiator (see Cooling, heating and air conditioning systems) and have a radiator repair facility clean and repair it if necessary.
13. Many deposits can be removed by the chemical action of a cleaner available at auto parts stores. Follow the procedure outlined in the manufacturer’s instructions.
Note: When the coolant is regularly drained and the system refilled with the correct antifreeze/water mixture, there should be no need to use chemical cleaners or descalers.
Refilling
Note: Ford recommends that the climate control system is turned off during the refilling procedure.
14. Close and tighten the radiator drain fitting.
15. Slowly add new coolant (a 50/50 mixture of water and antifreeze) to the expansion tank until the level reaches the MAX mark. See this Chapter’s Specifications for the recommended coolant types.
16. Install the expansion tank cap. Start and run the engine in a well-ventilated area for about a minute, then increase the engine RPM to 3500 for 30 seconds.
17. Turn the engine off and wait one minute.
18. With the engine still sufficiently cold, slowly open the expansion tank cap and top-up the expansion tank with coolant until the level is slightly above the MIN mark.
19. Install the expansion tank cap. Start and run the engine again until it reaches normal operating temperature (the thermostat will open and the upper radiator hose will become hot).
20. Rev the engine up to 3500 RPM for 30 seconds, then bring the engine to idle for 30 seconds.
21. Turn the engine off and wait another minute.
22. Repeat Steps 20 and 21, 5 more times. This will purge any air pockets remaining in the system.
23. Turn the engine off and let it cool completely. Remove the cap and add more coolant mixture to bring the level slightly above the MIN mark with the engine cool.
24. Squeeze the upper radiator hose to expel air, then add more coolant mixture if necessary. Install the expansion tank cap.
25. Start the engine, allow it to reach normal operating temperature and check for leaks. Also, set the heater and blower controls to the maximum setting and check to see that the heater output from the air ducts is warm. This is a good indication that all air has been purged from the cooling system.