changing radiator coolant 4.6 V8

73,470

Asked by OJ Mar 19, 2018 at 12:30 PM about the 2010 Ford F-150 XL SuperCab

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Cooling system holds almost 16 quarts.  Drained radiator and only 5 quarts
came out..  Upon checking noticed bottom radiator hose connects to block
several inches below bottom of radiator.  Obviously water will not drain up hill.  
Bottom radiator hose connects to block in arkward location and hard to remove.  
Any other way to drain block, absent removing block drain plugs on each side.

3 Answers

101,745

The only way you're going to get all the coolant out is to remove the block drain plugs. (They're 17mm). Don't forget to open the cap on the coolant overflow/reservoir. You could also bump the starter or run the motor for a few seconds so the water pump pushes out some coolant too.

1 people found this helpful.
73,470

Thanks Ken, that is what I was fearing. Both my plugs are the type which are removed via a 3/8 inch square socket extension. Ford mechanic stated even going that route I will only get about 13 quarts out unless I remove the engine from the vehicle. Wonderful design.

1 people found this helpful.
20

drain radiator and flush with water for 15 minutes then let drain till empty as poss plug refill I used 7 nqts anti full streanth and water the rest.will check for 66/ 44 ratio max after it mixes up driveing.A few quarts in block so full strength to get perfect 2 gal anti freeze almost get 15 year prestone good for 350 k got 21 years m out of factory

2 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

F-150

Looking for a Used F-150 in your area?

CarGurus has 136,484 nationwide F-150 listings starting at $1,100.

ZIP:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

2010 Ford F-150

Review another car

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    OJ
    Reputation
    41,960
  • #2
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    16,000
  • #3
    Rowefast
    Reputation
    15,500
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
4,362 Great Deals out of 132,411 listings starting at $875
Used GMC Sierra 1500
1,989 Great Deals out of 68,443 listings starting at $750
Used RAM 1500
3,970 Great Deals out of 91,468 listings starting at $3,500
Used Toyota Tundra
1,158 Great Deals out of 34,725 listings starting at $3,399
Used Ford F-250 Super Duty
1,419 Great Deals out of 43,908 listings starting at $2,995
Used Toyota Tacoma
2,101 Great Deals out of 34,922 listings starting at $2,990
Used Dodge RAM 1500
88 Great Deals out of 1,601 listings starting at $1,999
Used Ford Mustang
941 Great Deals out of 22,547 listings starting at $2,000
Used Ford Ranger
704 Great Deals out of 13,392 listings starting at $2,500
Used Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
1,040 Great Deals out of 31,363 listings starting at $499
Used Chevrolet Colorado
947 Great Deals out of 24,037 listings starting at $3,000
Used Ford Explorer
2,355 Great Deals out of 62,336 listings starting at $1,000
Used RAM 2500
1,006 Great Deals out of 48,362 listings starting at $5,990
Used Toyota 4Runner
1,244 Great Deals out of 18,084 listings starting at $1,300

Used Cars for Sale

2024 Ford F-150 For Sale
14 Great Deals out of 59,310 listings starting at $27,865
2023 Ford F-150 For Sale
769 Great Deals out of 21,556 listings starting at $28,364
2022 Ford F-150 For Sale
633 Great Deals out of 6,454 listings starting at $25,743
2021 Ford F-150 For Sale
926 Great Deals out of 9,639 listings starting at $17,990
2020 Ford F-150 For Sale
634 Great Deals out of 6,004 listings starting at $8,500

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.