Coolant Change

[pcs333]

Hi guys

I have to do a coolant change on my 98 2.3 Gal.

 

Are there any tips to drain and refill without getting air locks?

 

Also does anyone know the capacity of these because I need to get some antifreeze.

 

Cheers

Kev

[dbc]

Drain from the bottom hose on the radiator.

When refilling there is no bleed screw. I've done it several times mine and bar far the best method is to fill REEEAAAALLLLLYYYYYY slowly and whilst you're filling give all the hose a good squeeze to help pump any air out. I use a large plastic jug with a handle so I can control the flow.

 

Probably over kill but I have had lots of issues with mine. It also takes a few days to settle and will most likely need a little bit of a top up.

[sparky Paul]

Welcome to the forum! :blink:

 

I can't remember any major problems when I've changed mine, just dump it out of the bottom hose and refill steadily.

 

If you are changing the type of coolant, for example from the old blue/green glycol based to the purple Ford Super Plus Premium stuff, you need to make sure you thoroughly flush the old coolant out, including the front and rear heater matrixes.

 

Total coolant capacities for the 2.3 engine are 10.5L for models with a rear heater, 8.7L for models with only the front heater. I think most, if not all, UK cars have a rear heater matrix. One 5L bottle of antifreeze is sufficient.

Edited November 16, 2011 by sparky Paul

[pcs333]

Thanks for the advice guys

Thats just what I was after. :blink:

 

I will try and gauge what comes out to make sure I get it all out of the system. I can imagine the rear heater being a bit of a pain.

 

Cheers

Kev