97 Taurus Coolant Flush

Hi,

Just bought a 97 Taurus 3.1 with a 100,000 Miles for the sister in law. It appears to have coolant issues and I see that other internet info suggests that these models had a cooling system problem. Anyway, the coolant is rust brown colored and I believe I better flush it asap. That being the case, I looked at the system and it's nearly beyond my comprehension. The coolant box is definitely something I am not familiar with. Looks like I have to pull the coolant hose at the bottom of the radiator (a "T" connection) or open the plastic drain cock on the other side of the radiator (and these are bad news). Any help or explanation for getting a good backflush would be appreciated. I also want to capture the coolant as much as possible. Please detail the answers. Thanks !:runaround:

JR

There have been quite a few threads here about the cooling system, how to flush it (typically for heater core issues) and about the water pump impellers that tend to dissolve. Try searching this forum for a few of those keywords.

-Rod

OK---I looked up the key words and found information. It appears that the cooling system on this particular year is a headache. The good news is that it appears not to be a fatal issue with the vehicle. It is likely I will have a shop do the cooling system and check the water pump which I suspect is good candidate for replacement at 100K miles. I do not feel inclined to do the water pump on this vehicle what with a confined working area....etc.