Coolant chg on 2009 D/A

Question

Owner's manual on my 2009 D/A states that coolant should be changed 5 years or 100,000 miles, (whichever comes first). I only have little over 80,000 miles, (even though I bought it new in Nov 2009).

I normally do as much maint as I can on my vehicles. The dealers all want to "flush"the system, (however they say that this does not get the bulk of the coolant out of the system).

There is no drain plug on bottom of radiator, (as it use to be). Looking for any tips on doing what looks to be a messy job. The fender well needs dropping on the pass side just to access the bott radiator hose. I have also heard that this engine has drain plugs on each side of the block. Supposedly, one is located behind starter.

Anyone on forum changed their coolant, if so, how did you do it?

Thanks in advance for your help!

westend · Answer

If I wanted to change mine, I'd loosen the bottom radiator hose, drain the radiator, and fill the radiator and expansion chamber with new coolant. I'd be guessing that the above procedure would drain 3/4 of the coolant out of the system. If  I wasn't having any engine temperature problems, that's all I would do.

strabo · Answer

Had my truck done, all hoses, cap and coolant. It was time @ 140,000 miles. 2004 ford psd 6.0.

garyemunson · Answer

I always pull the bottom radiator hose to drain, replace it, refill with water, run until it is warm, and repeat the drain. Old coolant can get pretty corrosive so it's really a good idea to do that flush. What little concentration of old coolant that's left is negligible. I never worry about the block drain plugs. Being a 2009, I think I would replace the hoses and belts, too. Since it sounds like you are a handy person, all you are looking at is the price of the parts. Cheap peace of mind. As for the mess, I have one of those large round pans that I catch the mess in and I've found that the 'quick lube' places will generally take old anti-freeze although I sometimes have to go to a couple before I find one who will let me dump in their used A/F tank.

big_buford · Answer

I go 3 yrs max on coolant change, the price of water pumps and related components are way to expensive/ difficult to replace for the cost of a couple gallons of coolant and distilled water every 3 years. JMHO. Do some research on lower radiator hose. might be a slip on with snap ring/ O-ring design. Pain in the rump.Also check for bleed hole while filling, my 2004 has one.

beemerphile1 · Answer

I don't know if it is still available but in the past I have used a tee that goes in a heater hose. You hook a garden hose to the tee, leave the radiator cap off, run the engine and run water thru it until it runs clear.

Remove lower radiator hose or petcock to drain system and then add your coolant.

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Coolant chg on 2009 D/A

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