Coolant Flush
I’ve read through several threads to plan for my flush. Here’s a list of what I did simply for reference and/or feedback.
Purchased:
4 gallons of Zerex EL EC-1 Coolant ($25/gal @ Napa)
2 quarts of Motorcraft VC-9 Cleaner ($22/qt @ dealer)
2 quarts of Simple Green ($4/qt @ Walmart)
40 gallons of Distilled Water ($0.85/gal at Walmart)
Steps:
1. Drained system at radiator plug, lower radiator hose and driver’s side block plug.
2. Added 2 quarts of VC-9 and about 3 gallons distilled water. ** I did not remove the thermostat as it was nearly 100-degrees out in Atlanta and after each refill step I drove 15+ minutes at highway speeds so I’m sure the thermostat was open. I also had the heater running on high. Yes, Atlanta summer with the heater blasting, very uncomfortable drives.
3. Drained system at radiator plug, lower radiator hose and driver’s side block plug. ** comment: the drained coolant was dark, i.e black. ** hint for removing the block plug when hot: use a hex bit on a long 3/8 ratchet drive extension and keep the cap on the degas reservoir until after the plug is removed. Very little hot coolant will drain until the pressure is relieved.
4. Added 4 gallons of distilled water and repeated 15 min drive.
5. Repeated draining at all three locations.
6. Added 2 quarts simple green and about 3 gallons distilled water and repeated 15 min drive.
7. Repeated draining at all three locations.
8. Added 4 gallons distilled water and drive.
9. Repeated steps 7 and 8 until the drained water was clear. This took 7 post-simple green flushes.
10. Added 3.5 gallons Zerex coolant and topped off with distilled water.
I already had a DieselSite Coolant Filter and now I’m pretty confident that I cleaned out any sludge/sand/oil.
Purchased:
4 gallons of Zerex EL EC-1 Coolant ($25/gal @ Napa)
2 quarts of Motorcraft VC-9 Cleaner ($22/qt @ dealer)
2 quarts of Simple Green ($4/qt @ Walmart)
40 gallons of Distilled Water ($0.85/gal at Walmart)
Steps:
1. Drained system at radiator plug, lower radiator hose and driver’s side block plug.
2. Added 2 quarts of VC-9 and about 3 gallons distilled water. ** I did not remove the thermostat as it was nearly 100-degrees out in Atlanta and after each refill step I drove 15+ minutes at highway speeds so I’m sure the thermostat was open. I also had the heater running on high. Yes, Atlanta summer with the heater blasting, very uncomfortable drives.
3. Drained system at radiator plug, lower radiator hose and driver’s side block plug. ** comment: the drained coolant was dark, i.e black. ** hint for removing the block plug when hot: use a hex bit on a long 3/8 ratchet drive extension and keep the cap on the degas reservoir until after the plug is removed. Very little hot coolant will drain until the pressure is relieved.
4. Added 4 gallons of distilled water and repeated 15 min drive.
5. Repeated draining at all three locations.
6. Added 2 quarts simple green and about 3 gallons distilled water and repeated 15 min drive.
7. Repeated draining at all three locations.
8. Added 4 gallons distilled water and drive.
9. Repeated steps 7 and 8 until the drained water was clear. This took 7 post-simple green flushes.
10. Added 3.5 gallons Zerex coolant and topped off with distilled water.
I already had a DieselSite Coolant Filter and now I’m pretty confident that I cleaned out any sludge/sand/oil.
1 - 1 of 7 Posts
1 - 1 of 7 Posts
- This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
The Diesel Stop
A forum community dedicated to all Ford Diesel owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about PowerStrokes, performance, modifications, troubleshooting, towing capacity, maintenance, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Top Contributors this Month
View All
John in OkieLand
57 Replies
bugman
53 Replies
Big Horn
41 Replies
