Trying to change anti-freeze

[gss036]

I have a 1999 Ford Windstar van w/3.8L engine. I bought 2 gal of Prestone long life antifreeze. It takes 14.8 qts of coolant in the system. BUT, I don't seem to be able to find a drain for the radiatitor. There is no cap on the radiatitorThere is a white plastic plug at the bottom that looks like it would take a large hex head instrument to fit the octgan hole but I am afraid to start trying to turn on it.
Any help would be appreacite any help or guidance.

 

[dolluper]

Re: Trying to change anti-freeze

Here's a guide with pictures
http://www.autozone.com/az/cds/en_us/0900823d/80/1d/33/9b/0900823d801d339b/repairInfoPages.htm

 

[gss036]

Re: Trying to change anti-freeze

Thanks for the help. That drain plug/assy looks very similar. THey must have changed on the 99 models because I cannot find a radiator cap.I Did not try to remove the top panel above the radiator. I will have to look again tomorrow. We do have a Penzoil Lube shop about 2 miles from here so I will swing in there tomorrow and ask them. I think they do flush and fill on vehicles..

 

[Bondo]

Re: Trying to change anti-freeze

Ayuh,....

You'll need to find the Block Drain as well if you're changing All the antifreeze.....

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Trying to change anti-freeze

You will be able to get most of the antifreeze out but I doubt you will get it all. Remember your heater core and lines are full too.

You can pull a lower hose and drain most of it but.... refilling the system can be touchy. You have to get all the air out or the air pockets will give you grief and can do some real damage.

That 3.8 is a good motor but the head gaskets tend to leak and you can have warped heads..... be careful doing the coolant.

 

[gss036]

Re: Trying to change anti-freeze

Stopped by the shop today and they looked at the vehicle and told me there is no radiator cap per say, just the one on the overflow tank which is sealed and says 16# pressure cap on it.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Trying to change anti-freeze

Ayuh,....

You'll need to find the Block Drain as well if you're changing All the antifreeze.....

I bought a Prestone Coolant Flush kit a few years back that worked quite well on my Impalas (getting the DexCool out!). It involved putting a T in a heater hose and hooking up a garden hose. I am not positive, but I didn't think I had to have the radiator drain open at all. Seems like I removed the cap (on your overflow bottle) and it came out there. It could get a little messy for you, though.
Good luck

 

[gss036]

Re: Trying to change anti-freeze

I have one of those kits hanging in my shop, but unfortunately, w/v-6 front wheel drive, there is no way to get to a heater hose to do that. I have used the flush kit of several of my past vehicles and they do work great.
The guy at the shop told me to take loose the top hose and let the water pump, pump it all out while keep the overflow tank full.I guess that would work, then just drain the system w/ the drain plug and add straight anti-frreze. It is a 14.8 qt system, so will take 2 gallons.