Hi there,

I was going to change the engine coolant on 2002 Windstar, and for the life of me couldn't find the lower drain plug on the radiator. I have a service manual.
I couldn't locate the drain plug.

Do I need to remove any parts in order to locate the drain plug?

Thanks in advance.

David

Just keep looking (... or rather "feeling/groping") and you'll eventually find it at the rear of the radiator, at the LH bottom corner.

Once you find it, then prepare for the mess. I usually use a large diameter tub to catch the coolant. And then filter the coolant, with a funnel and shop rag, if it is to be reused... because a good bit of dirt falls into the tub also.

I usually yank the lower radiator hose off for that "Fast and Furious" flush.

I suppose it's possible ford deleted the rad draincock for 2002. Most manufacturers are these days. I've seen a few older draincocks leak or break if they've never been exersized. It is way faster (and messy) to yank the lower hose, plus you get a feel for the condition of that lower hose.

Joel