2013 Ford Explorer Coolant Flush

[Fordai]

Hey everyone,

My Explorer has 90k on it now and the coolant reservoir has gotten pretty low so I’m going to flush and fill the coolant system. I went to the dealer to get the motorcraft coolant. The parts guy gave me 2 gallons of the concentrated stuff. He said “put in these two gallons and add two gallons of distilled water, that’s what we do in the shop.” Now that’s a total of 16 quarts. My system is 12.2 quarts and I told him that. The question is, should I follow his direction and over fill it or should I portion out the 12.2 gallons the best I can?

Thanks in advance for your time and advice.

 

[Snagglefoot]

I think he is trying to be helpful. After you flush your system it will filled with water inside the block with an empty radiator. The exact volume of the block, hoses and heater core is not an available number. What he really means is if you get the two gallons of coolant in, you can top up with distilled water and you know you will be OK. You might be up at 60% coolant but no harm. If you want to be at 50-50 mix, you can put in 6 quarts of antifreeze in. The important thing is make sure you get at least 6 quarts of antifreeze in before you bother adding water. If you try mix it first, you might be screwed if there is more distilled water in the block and hoses than you think, and you are unable to get the full 6 quarts in. The engine will mix it all up within a few minutes anyway, so install the coolant first, then top up.

 

[2010Civic]

Drain the old coolant out and replace it with a 50/50 mix of coolant/distilled water.

Find an empty jug to use to mix it 50/50.

 

[Snagglefoot]

Originally Posted By: 2010Civic
Drain the old coolant out and replace it with a 50/50 mix of coolant/distilled water.

Find an empty jug to use to mix it 50/50.


Sorry, can't agree with that. There will still be distilled water in the block after flushing and when you add 50/50 you will end up with less than 50% coolant.

 

[2010Civic]

No, because I never said to flush it. Just drain the old coolant out and replace it. "Flushing" it with distilled water isn't necessary.

 

[Snagglefoot]

Originally Posted By: 2010Civic
No, because I never said to flush it. Just drain the old coolant out and replace it. "Flushing" it with distilled water isn't necessary.


Ok, I see what you recommend. But he gives up the flush. Flame suit on.

 

[SZR48207]

If the system looks clean and you don't see any debris then a flush shouldn't be necessary. However us OCD types might be tempted to flush to get it nice and clean anyway.

But the tip is good to fill first with concentrate and then top with water to get a roughly 50/50 mix. (when flushing)

 

[ford46guy]

If you have a 3.5L Engine and loosing coolant better make sure your wp isn't leaking internally. That is not pretty.

 

[Fordai]

I do have the 3.5. How can I check for a water pump leak?