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Old 06-09-2011, 11:07 AM
cotcu cotcu is offline
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Default Coolant Flush

Hi, can anyone direct me to or give me a step by step for a coolant flush. I''ve never done one before and I don't want to mess it up. sorry for the simple question but like I said I've never done one before. I have a 2001 ranger xlt 3.0. Thanks in advance for the help.
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Old 06-09-2011, 12:34 PM
sgtsandman sgtsandman is offline
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Default Re: Coolant Flush

Make sure the engine is cool. Open the drain on the radiator and remove the radiator cap. Make sure you have something that will hold about two gallons like a bucket. Make sure you put the heat to full hot before starting. You will need the engine to be running to do this. When it's done draining, fill the system back up with either premixed antifreeze or a 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze. Start it up and let it run until it warms up. You will know this has happened when the fluid level drops because the thermostat has opened. Top off the radiator again. Make sure the reservoir is half full and check it for the next couple of days and top off as needed. That's pretty much it.
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Old 06-10-2011, 10:51 AM
cotcu cotcu is offline
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Default Re: Coolant Flush

Thank you for the reply, I was told to put a hose in the resevoir and let water run through the system with the vehicle running until only clear water comes out of the drain. Is that an option. Thanks again for the help.
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Old 06-10-2011, 11:18 AM
sgtsandman sgtsandman is offline
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Default Re: Coolant Flush

Not in the reservoir. That will just flush out the reservoir. There are kits out there for doing what you are talking about. You generally have to cut a heater hose to use one of them.

It's better if you used distilled water over tap water though because of there being less minerals and chemicals in distilled water for the actual refilling of the system.

It's also easier to just buy the premixed coolant instead of mixing it yourself. There is less chance of getting the ratio wrong and you'll have some left over for topping off if needed. Usually, two gallons is all you need.
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Old 06-13-2011, 06:12 AM
cotcu cotcu is offline
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Default Re: Coolant Flush

Thanks again for the help. Any idea what would make the antifreeze dirty? I mean it was really brown and nasty looking. Thanks again.
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Old 06-13-2011, 06:33 AM
ColinS ColinS is offline
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Default Re: Coolant Flush

just got old. all anti freeze does. it turns real acidic and also all the dirt in the systym
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Old 06-14-2011, 05:42 AM
cotcu cotcu is offline
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Default Re: Coolant Flush

Thanks for the reply, I was just a little concerned because it looked like muddy water.
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Old 06-14-2011, 06:35 AM
FireRanger FireRanger is offline
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Default Re: Coolant Flush

That is also rust. If you feel compelled, pop the water pump off and see if the impeller vanes are rotted out really bad.
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Old 08-12-2012, 09:09 PM
CSThree CSThree is offline
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Default

Thanks for bringing this up. I'm doing the same thing on my new to me 99 XLT 4x4. I've been debating buying a new coolant/ washer box from a junkyard to replace mine. It's just full of dirty rusty water now. Anyone know how to take the bow off to hand clean before a flush and refill?

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Quote:
Originally Posted by CSThree
Thanks for bringing this up. I'm doing the same thing on my new to me 99 XLT 4x4. I've been debating buying a new coolant/ washer box from a junkyard to replace mine. It's just full of dirty rusty water now. Anyone know how to take the bow off to hand clean before a flush and refill?
Box not bow*
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