Ford Excursion :: Flushing V-10 Radiator To Get Crystal Clear Water?

You will get wet but not scalded but is nice to get it done and not that hard. (revised).

1; Pull the cap, bottom hose, and open the petcock on a cold engine.

2; Remove the thermostat with a 10mm socket (easy) and put the housing back on lightly.

3; Install garden hose in top and turn on full blast, and turn the heater on.

4; Start the engine, grab the hanging bottom hose and push it onto the bottom radiator neck about 1/4", wait a couple minutes until the garden hose overflows at the top of the plastic radiator chamber. (yes you will get wet), pull the bottom hose loose, repeat 3-4 times until the dirty water is scavenged from the block and rad. (important step).

5; Shut off water at garden hose, stop the engine, replace the bottom hose and replace the thermostat with the 195 degree one (stock) if it hasn't been done lately. (they don't last and work well forever) The rubber O-ring goes on the top.

6; Start the engine and run the garden hose at the top the same speed as the water is coming out the petcock at the bottom. Note how clear the water is coming out and idle the engine until is runs clear. (about 10 minutes). The water might get hot at this time but you're not under the truck at this point.

7; Stop the engine, close the petcock, remove the heater hose from the front of the intake manifold, put 3 to 4 gallons of undiluted antifreeze in (50% undiluted antifreeze 50/50 will give you a range of 34 degrees BELOW zero to +265 degrees F) , fill with distilled water until the water comes out the pipe fitting on the manifold, replace hose, fill to line, and check the level every day for the next 2-3 days.