changing radiator coolant 4.6 V8

73,320

Asked by OJ Mar 19, 2018 at 12:30 PM about the 2010 Ford F-150 XL SuperCab

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Cooling system holds almost 16 quarts.  Drained radiator and only 5 quarts
came out..  Upon checking noticed bottom radiator hose connects to block
several inches below bottom of radiator.  Obviously water will not drain up hill.  
Bottom radiator hose connects to block in arkward location and hard to remove.  
Any other way to drain block, absent removing block drain plugs on each side.

3 Answers

101,565

The only way you're going to get all the coolant out is to remove the block drain plugs. (They're 17mm). Don't forget to open the cap on the coolant overflow/reservoir. You could also bump the starter or run the motor for a few seconds so the water pump pushes out some coolant too.

1 people found this helpful.
73,320

Thanks Ken, that is what I was fearing. Both my plugs are the type which are removed via a 3/8 inch square socket extension. Ford mechanic stated even going that route I will only get about 13 quarts out unless I remove the engine from the vehicle. Wonderful design.

1 people found this helpful.
20

drain radiator and flush with water for 15 minutes then let drain till empty as poss plug refill I used 7 nqts anti full streanth and water the rest.will check for 66/ 44 ratio max after it mixes up driveing.A few quarts in block so full strength to get perfect 2 gal anti freeze almost get 15 year prestone good for 350 k got 21 years m out of factory

2 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

F-150

Looking for a Used F-150 in your area?

CarGurus has 13,693 nationwide F-150 listings starting at $3,800.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    OJ
    Reputation
    41,830
  • #2
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    15,990
  • #3
    Rowefast
    Reputation
    15,470
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
204 Great Deals out of 8,074 listings starting at $3,000
Used GMC Sierra 1500
143 Great Deals out of 8,222 listings starting at $3,000
Used RAM 1500
530 Great Deals out of 20,713 listings starting at $3,500
Used Toyota Tundra
47 Great Deals out of 984 listings starting at $9,992
Used Ford F-250 Super Duty
26 Great Deals out of 797 listings starting at $3,590
Used Toyota Tacoma
43 Great Deals out of 730 listings starting at $9,975
Used Dodge RAM 1500
3 Great Deals out of 90 listings starting at $2,500
Used Ford Mustang
39 Great Deals out of 1,657 listings starting at $7,999
Used Ford Ranger
21 Great Deals out of 689 listings starting at $8,800
Used Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
25 Great Deals out of 1,696 listings starting at $3,000
Used Jeep Wrangler
137 Great Deals out of 5,973 listings starting at $6,500
Used Toyota 4Runner
21 Great Deals out of 539 listings starting at $7,700
Used Ford Explorer
61 Great Deals out of 2,066 listings starting at $6,990
Used Chevrolet Colorado
33 Great Deals out of 1,224 listings starting at $4,995

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.