[CptSD]

I'm coming up on a 65k oil change the truck is an '03. So that means the coolant is about 5y/o and I live in a very hot desert! So I'm thinking it is time to change the coolant? So my questions are as follows:
1. What is the best way to change the coolant?
2. Is it just a matter of pulling the bottom hose letting it drain and replacing, or is there a drain plug somewhere?
3. Does the system need to be flushed or is it recommended?
4. Do I have to use the Motorcraft Premium Gold coolant or is there an equal or better coolant I can use?

Sorry about the list of questions but I haven't read much on this subject...

Any info will be greatly appreciated,

JB

 

[cb1000]

Flushing is BEST...

pulling the lower hose will only get you about 4 of the 7 gallons,
hence the need for FLUSHING.

youll need to open the heater valve (most turn the heat on & run
the engine while back flushing).

once youve seen nothing but clear/clean water you should drain the
entire system and refill w/ a 70/30 mixture.

the GOLD coolant is available @ autozone (only place ive been
able to find it) under the BRAND LABEL of ZEREX G-05 (gold bottle),
it runs about 10 or 11 bucks per gallon.

its a good practice to use DISTILLED WATER on the REFILL (no
minerals/deposits)

once the lower hose is back on the radiator & youve closed
the petcock/drain (also on the radiator) you fill from the degas
bottle.

 

[OT]

Same here. Back flushing, but wondering how it's done?

I used a kit on old ride. T tapped into heater hose as I recall, but don't know if that work's on 6L?

 

[xitup4810]

If you decide not to do it yourself, I had mine done at Avondale Quick Lube (I know,,quicklube scary stuff-but this is not your typical quicklube) for $145.00. They buy the gold stuff to replace the old stuff. I watched them do it and they knew what they were doing. They do a lot of 6.0's out here in the farming land of Buckeye so I trust them with my truck. Hope that helps you.

 

[OMCUSNR]

I have seen a couple of posts here that say the prestone back flush kit teed into the heater hose will work for the flush. Everyone recommends a complete drain (something about a "block drain", too, IIRC) and refill with distilled.

I'm getting to this point myself (63k Feb 03), so I'm looking at it too. I've heard that Delo makes a good HOAT ELC too, and to run far away from anything that says Dexcool on it. I still have the original design lower radiator hose that I'll replace at that time too.