How to Change the Coolant in a Ford Expedition
by Allen Moore
The coolant in your Ford Expedition should be replaced on a regular basis, which is noted in your vehicle’s maintenance schedule. When the time comes to perform this service, you can either have it done at a professional repair facility or tackle the job yourself. Before taking on this job, be prepared to dispose of the old coolant. This procedure can be performed in under an hour with the proper preparation and equipment. This job should only be performed when the engine is cold.
Step 1
Position the catch pan under the radiator. Remove the radiator cap.
Step 2
Cut the inbound heater hose in half roughly one foot from the firewall and install the flush tee per the directions on the flush tee packaging.
Step 3
Attach the garden hose to the flush tee per the directions on the flush tee kit packaging. Install the diverter spout included in the flush tee kit into the radiator inlet per the kit’s directions.
Step 4
Turn the water on and start the engine. Run the engine with the heater on full blast until clear water comes out of the diverter spout. This should take less than 10 minutes.
Step 5
Shut the engine off and carefully remove the diverter spout. Remove the garden hose and put the cap on the flush tee.
Step 6
Loosen the radiator drain petcock, located at the bottom of the radiator, using the pliers. Use caution so you do not snap the petcock off the radiator. Allow the water to drain out into the catch pan.
Step 7
Close the petcock and fill the radiator with equal parts coolant and water. Use the proper coolant for your Expedition. Do not mix green coolant with any form of extended life coolant and it is best not to change one for the other.
Step 8
Run the engine again for several minutes then shut it off. Allow the engine to cool and remove the radiator cap. Top off the coolant with a 50/50 mixture of coolant and distilled water.
References
Tips
- Dispose of your old coolant in compliance with local EPA guidelines. Most auto parts stores or repair shops can help you locate the proper place for disposing of waste coolant.
Things You'll Need
- Catch pan
- Hose cutter
- Flush tee kit
- Garden hose connected to water source
- Pliers
- 2 gallons of coolant
- 2 gallons of distilled water
Warnings
- Never work on a hot engine's cooling system. The coolant is pressurized and can achieve temperatures well over 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Opening up a warm, pressurized cooling system can result in serious injury or death.
Writer Bio
Allen Moore's career includes awards in poetry and creative fiction, published lyrics, fiction books and nonfiction articles as well as a master certification in automotive service from the Ford Motor Company. Moore is a contributing writer for RF365.com and various other websites, a ghostwriter for Rainbow Writing and has over a dozen works of fiction currently in print.
