Flushing Coolant

[89blue5.0]

I'm getting ready to replace my radiator. What is the best way to flush the system before I replace it? I know they make flush kits with tee adapters, but where is the best place to put it on a 5.0 motor? It seems like all the auxiliary hoses on these cars are so short. Thanks.

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[Arostang]

just get underneath it and on the left side faceing your stang there should be a white skrew thingy attached to the radiator. get a bucket put it underneath that unskrew the white thing and let it all drain out then run a hose through it by unskrewing the radiator cap and pour it directly into your radiator let it all come out then skrew the white thing back on and replace your radiator or fill it again

[mstngsule68]

disconnect the upper hose, and put ur garden hose in the rad cap...and turn the car on..let it all flush through, then drain it and fill with coolant. you can pull the thermostat and itll make it go quicker.....otherwise id suggest getting the T and splice it in your heater hose.....also make sure to turn your heat on full blast with either you choose.

[Jfsram]

This really depends on how much you want to flush it.

If you just drain it like the first reply said. You will still have lots of accumulation in the engine block and heater.

I prefer the disconnect the hose idea, especially with the thermostat removed. You should replace it when you swap out the radiator anyways.
For a real thorough flush remove both heater hoses and blast water through it both directions. Then through the block too. Catch the rinse water and keep repeating until it flushes clean. A neglected engine will need much rinsing.

Now try to pour distilled water in the engine so the tap water is displaced. Install the new radiator and make sure to get in at least half of the cooling system's capacity filled with antifreeze. Most cars are 1 to 2 gallons. Then top off with distilled. This should give you a 50/50 mix.

[mstngsule68]

Originally Posted by Jfsram

This really depends on how much you want to flush it.

If you just drain it like the first reply said. You will still have lots of accumulation in the engine block and heater.

I prefer the disconnect the hose idea, especially with the thermostat removed. You should replace it when you swap out the radiator anyways.
For a real thorough flush remove both heater hoses and blast water through it both directions. Then through the block too. Catch the rinse water and keep repeating until it flushes clean. A neglected engine will need much rinsing.

Now try to pour distilled water in the engine so the tap water is displaced. Install the new radiator and make sure to get in at least half of the cooling system's capacity filled with antifreeze. Most cars are 1 to 2 gallons. Then top off with distilled. This should give you a 50/50 mix.

you can also pick up the little tester that tells you how well you actually mixed the coolant.

[Jfsram]

Originally Posted by mstngsule68

you can also pick up the little tester that tells you how well you actually mixed the coolant.

Good point mstng. I actually have one of those. I've used it to give me piece of mind before winter to the odd car but I've never actually checked what a 50/50 mix reads.

I like to see -37 deg C or colder but since you mentioned it, what number are we looking for in a brand new perfect mix?