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A coolant flush is in your future.
I would first fill the radiator and overflow/expansion tank and run the engine for 20-30 minutes and look for leaks and that will give you additional information in regards to a possible radiator replacement. My guess is the radiator is probably ok but water pump should be monitored for leakage and if leaking plan to replace.
Make sure the flush product that you use is designed for your vehicle (aluminun components or cast iron) DO NOT USE FLUSH DESIGNED FOR CAST IRON IF YOUR ENGINE OR HEADS OR RADIATOR IS ALUMINUM. Make sure you use the correct flush solution/chemical and follow the directions. An important item to check is the cooling system design volume. You will need to know that number when it comes to filling the system after your flushes and rinses are completed. After the final flush you need to drain out as much water as you can for example if the system volume is 20 quarts you need to drain at least 10 quarts so that 10 quarts of pure concentrated coolant can be added to the residual water left in the cooling system after the flush water is drained. In the example 20 quart system capacity, 10 quarts of concentrated antifreeze added gives you a 50/50 antifreeze mixture which is the recommended ratio.
You should considered changing all hoses and the thermostat (Motorcraft) while you are working on the cooling system.
A coolant flush is in your future.
I would first fill the radiator and overflow/expansion tank and run the engine for 20-30 minutes and look for leaks and that will give you additional information in regards to a possible radiator replacement. My guess is the radiator is probably ok but water pump should be monitored for leakage and if leaking plan to replace.
Make sure the flush product that you use is designed for your vehicle (aluminun components or cast iron) DO NOT USE FLUSH DESIGNED FOR CAST IRON IF YOUR ENGINE OR HEADS OR RADIATOR IS ALUMINUM. Make sure you use the correct flush solution/chemical and follow the directions. An important item to check is the cooling system design volume. You will need to know that number when it comes to filling the system after your flushes and rinses are completed. After the final flush you need to drain out as much water as you can for example if the system volume is 20 quarts you need to drain at least 10 quarts so that 10 quarts of pure concentrated coolant can be added to the residual water left in the cooling system after the flush water is drained. In the example 20 quart system capacity, 10 quarts of concentrated antifreeze added gives you a 50/50 antifreeze mixture which is the recommended ratio.
You should considered changing all hoses and the thermostat (Motorcraft) while you are working on the cooling system.
#1 ^ this. The only add/clarification I’d add is:
- you need to know 2 capacities: 1) total system, and 2) block only (and from there be able to calculate and mix to effective 50%)
Radiator Sludge
