milehighbear3

I have a 2001 F-150 and have owned it for eight years. Anti=freeze is getting a little darker looking and figured I'd change it and hoses before winter. Is there anything I should be aware of like air bubbles in lines etc. Should turn heater on during this process. Im using 50/50 anti-freeze. Any suggestions??

djfllmn

iTrader: (1)

yes when you are done turn heat on full blast and let the cap off let truck idle for 20 mins rev it up every few mins to 2-2.5k and hold it there for a few seconds

Jbrew

Sometimes they are a PITA to burp. dj has that part correct, here's a little more, - A TSB that Ford has, -

milehighbear3

So after I change fluid and heater doesn't work and/or it doesn't get up to proper warmth, then do the method you put down, got it, thank you.

allinon72

It also helps to squeeze the upper radiator hose to work the bubbles out. I found that my truck was way easier to burp than some other cars I've done (BMW). While you're in there I would suggest replacing the thermostat as well.

Jbrew

Geeze.. 8 years! What's the matter with you ?

milehighbear3

I know, I should have my butt kicked up around my shoulder blades. But I am better with oil and tranny. I change my oil every four months and tranny fluid and filter once year. Ok, while I was at Autozone, I also picked up some Barr's radiator flush. Since its been eight years, do you recommend flushing and cleaning system also.

jstockert

Probably would not hurt to flush the system.

milehighbear3

Well, from 9:00 this morning until 2:30 this afternoon is how long it took me to flush out the system, run water all thru the motor, change the thermostat and the hoses and put new anti-freeze in. So far there are no leaks and everything is running nice. Ford can take those oem hose clamps and put them where sun don't shine tho. That was the hardest part that I had to deal with. I ended up cutting the bottom hose in half and still had hard time getting those old clamps off. Needless to say, I did not put them back on. Made another trip to parts store to get good hose clamps. Thanks everyone for your input into this. Next project will be new plugs, and gonna put new rubber boots that go to the plugs also. Question, I read a thread about threads on 2003 5.4 breaking loose, does this problem exist with the 2001's. I changed plugs about year and half ago but I've only put about 6,000to 7,000 miles on truck since I retired 3 years ago and don't drive it as much or as far as use too. Right now there are 156,000 miles on truck.