Coolant flush and service change? What kind of coolant?

2016 FORD F-150

44,000 MILES • 3.5L • 6 CYL • 4WD • AUTOMATIC

GLENEPOTTERJR

MEMBER
1 POST

You-Tubed changing the coolant with a full flush and only got about a gallon to drain into the catch bucket. Do I have to pull the drain plug from the engine block to make sure of a full purge? And if so, how to I get too it? Does all the sound trim underneath have to come off? I had to put the front end up on ramps to get my petite body underneath to get to the drain plug, but the drain plug would still be the low spot even if it's up less than a foot. Thanks, Chilton is not very forthcoming on how to get this done.

Aug 10, 2019 at 10:09 AM

SCGRANTURISMO

✓ASE Certified Mechanic
4,897 POSTS

Hello,

That is only 1/3 of the coolant capacity of your vehicle. In the diagrams down below I have included the coolant and capacities for your vehicle as well as the instructions for flushing your cooling system from the vehicle manufacturer. Here is a guide to help you step by step with instructions in the diagrams below to show you how on your car.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/coolant-flush-and-refill-all-cars

Description Specification
Motorcraft® Orange Antifreeze/Coolant Concentrated VC-3-B WSS-M97B44-D
Motorcraft® Orange Antifreeze/Coolant Prediluted VC-3DIL-B WSS-M97B44-D2
Motorcraft® Premium Cooling System Flush VC-1 ESR-M14P7-A

Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.

Images (Click to enlarge)

Professional Diagram for 2CarPros Members
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Aug 11, 2019 at 4:17 AM

DANNY L

✓ASE Certified Mechanic
5,648 POSTS

Hello again.

To answer DAN5594; you wouldn't want to use white vinegar due to it being acidic. Any foreign debris or acidic compounds introduced into the system will not only ruin the radiator and hoses but will cause damage.Just do a cooling system flush with auto parts store products or just simple water flush.Hope this helps and thanks again for using 2CarPros.

Danny-

Sep 11, 2020 at 1:45 PM

Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.