How To Properly Flush The Cooling System & Radiator

I hate to start another thread but I searched the archives and can't seem to find any info on this particular year.

The problem is that I just want to flush the radiator & coolant. I have the service manual and the illustrations on there are not the greatest. They say to add coolant through the thermostat opening until it comes out of the heater core fitting behind the manifold. I can't find this fitting.

Also, there have been several "techniques" of flushing the coolant discussed here. Some say to loosen the petcock, run the engine, and just continue adding water through the DEGAS until the fluid comes clear out of the petcock. Some say to disconnect both heater core hoses and shoot water down them to remove debris.

Can someone please tell me exactly where are the 2 heater core hoses (and which one is the intake heater hose). There are some hoses with green caps (what are those?).

Lastly.......what is the path the coolant travels on this car.

Thanks so much.

Is that the 2005 Mustang, 2005 Chevrolet Malibu, or 1999 Chevrolet Suburban :uhoh:

TownCar,

I'm sorry, I forgot to mention I was talking about the 2003 Town Car.

*Bump* :frown:

*Bump* :frown:

What? You still have this problem? Dang...

I would incorporate all the knowledge you've gathered thus far and use it all...

Drain it, squirt it, reverse flow it, blast the heater core, open the petcock, disconnect the hoses.... basically clean it out the best you can, and that's over doing it.

As for refilling.. follow the processes in the Service Manual. That's the only way to burp out air pockets.

The coolant travel is in the Service Manual. The heater core, hose connections are behind the engine, on the passenger side.. also in the Service Manual.

BTW, which Service Manual do you have, Ford Factory Service Manual? If your's isn't giving Ford Service instructions I can try to copy the processes and post 'em here for you. You did mention we're lacking that information on the 2003 :)

TC,

I have the 2003 Ford Service Manual on CD. Perhaps I shouldve gotten the book version instead. I would really appreciate if you could copy those processes listed in the manual you have at your convenience. They could be a little more descriptive. Thanks again.

They <CD vs. Book> could be a little more descriptive.

Actually no difference... the CD and Book are identical.
I find the CD version more user friendly just because I can review any process from the comfort of the sofa and decide what's needed that I may need to acquire....

Some folks have trouble navigating the CD version, but it's all in there. Remember, these manuals were made for the service bay mechanics as a guide, and technical reference.. that said, some things may be taken for granted.

DEGAS - a new term for me when discussing water circuits.

When I flushed my '95 I opened the petcock and started the motor. NOTE: Do this when the coolant is warm or else the thermostat will be closed and you'll not get full circulation.

After the coolant stoppoed flowing from the petcock, I turned off the engine and removed the thermostat. I then disconnected the "outlet" hose from the heater, restarted the engine and started running water gently through the engine through the thermostat hole. I did not "backflush" the heater core as I don't know what all the different valves, switches, thermostats, etc. are or how they work. I don't know why there should be any "debris" in the heater core - the coolant is continually running through it so, IMHO, just letting the clear water run through to get out the old coolant should be sufficient. I let the motor run and the water hose run for about 30 minutes, although the water was coming out clear before that. I quit putting the water in but still let the motor run until there was no water coming out of the engine anywhere.

Obviously there is still water in the heater core and engine. How do I get a 50/50 mix? I looked up the coolant capacity and got 1/2 of that amount of anti-freeze and put in, then finished filling with water. Be sure to put in a new thermostat!

Side note: All purpose grease is the best water "sealant" there is. I coated all the places a water hose goes on with it. It makes the hose go on easy and acts as a sealer. I also use the grease with the gasket for the thermostat, covering both sides of the gasket with it. In more than 50 years of "shade tree" work I've never had a water leak.

DISCLAIMER: I am not a mechanic and all of the above is only my opinion.