Fellow forum members I have a question regarding a Radiator Flush. My g/f has a 97 3.8v6. I recently had to fix a line for her on it that ran to the heater-core going across the block, the rubber hose blew a leak so I fixed it for her. Problem fixed. But her heat gauge has always read high between the M,A (Normal) junky gauges IMO BUT...She took it to a mechanic back home today and they ran some diagnosis on the motor and is was showing it was running @ 209 both on the computer and with a laser temp gauge on the block. They suggested everything was fine maybe the gauge was just faultY. I told her that I would flush the radiator for her this weekend when I got in from college. Also that I would install a gauge that has numbers on it so she could monitor the cars actual temperature at normal operating temperatures SO it will stop driving her crazy. Here is my question guys.....Is this the correct steps to doing a CORRECT radiator flush given I actually have never had to do it thus far in my 21years unless I was in the woods and my truck was overheating and had to find a creek and fix the problem and clean her out haha...

Parts needed: 50/50 Coolant and a Jug of Radiator Flush

Steps: 1. Drain the Anti-Freeze
2. Apply Radiator Flush + fill the rest; including puke tank with water.
3. Run motor for 10min with the heater turn on max.
4. Shut car down and allow time to cool of course and drain mixture.
5. Apply 50/50 Antifreeze and again make sure there is adequate water to ensure all is full.

Is this all there is to doing a correct radiator flush. Oh one more important question would it hurt for me to throw in a new thermostat and if so what degree would I need to pick up at the parts store? 190? I don't know since I do not on a v6....

Thank you all for your help.....=-)

 

Sounds like the coolant temp sensors giving faulty reads...JMO though

But yes you got the right idea for a flush, just some tips: there are drain plugs on the block that you should remove after running the mixture to completely drain the system, not just the radiator. Use distilled water as chemicals in tap or other waters can coagulate in the cooling system. GET ALL THE AIR OUT when you refill, or you'll run hot. Dont get coolant in your eyes. have fun.

 

Sounds like you got it bud.

 

haha replying for the v6 guys you asked for... you pretty much got it man. just mae sure you leave it run with some new water or coolant for a few for a complete flush.

 

V6 Guys what about the new thermostat? What do you recommend on the degree stat?

 

Back when I had a V6, I put a 180* thermostat in mine.

 

Ok thanks so much man! Thank you all for your help and of course the lone ranger v6 member that posted thank you bro. It's nice to get the answer from people who have had experience.. Oh by the way I am helping my friend take the cams out of his car (4.6l) what in the world was ford thinking when the put the driver side valve cover on? You talk about a big pain in *** to get off....

 

Have fun with that... It's all a PITA.

 

off is easy...wait till your freaking fingers cant get in there to tighten all 60,000 bolts back down.

 

lol.....man i know I was cursing the P-Steering Pump as well that one stupid bolt contrib to me having to take the P=Steering pump off and on top of that the one bolt on the bottom hold the P=Steering pump on I had to use a wrench because the line was in the way....1/4 turn at a time talk about really pissing me off....Oh by the way I have a question... On his chain there is only one mark wtc? how am I suppose to line the cam shaft sprocket up with the crank sprocket mark??????? It was late so I quit for the night but that really blew my mind when I seen that...