21 QT Cooling capacity or something else?

[ajhnson]

OK I just bought 3 gallons of Motorcraft Premium Gold coolant and 3 gallons of distilled water because the owner's manual says my 2003 Expy XLT has a 21 QT Cooling capacity. After draining the old antifreeze from the radiator and engine block drain holes I barely filled up a 5 gallon bucket. For the flush I was only able to pour in two bottles of Prestone Flush and 2 1/2 gallons of distilled water before hitting the "cold mark" on the reservoir bottle. Thoughts???

 

[tepponogu]

Heater core system? Did you have the heaters turned on?

 

[ajhnson]

Yep, I had front and rear heaters on full blast for 15-20 minutes after engine reached operating temp. I'm confused. The manual says 21 qts but a website I just looked at says 13 qts. I wouldn't have messed with it if it werent for having to change the thermostat. Anyone have personal experience adding 21 qts?

 

[Thermo]

ajhnson, well, considering that you put 18 quarts of fluid back in, that isn't too far off. With the rear A/C controls and whatnot, that can trap a lot of coolant back there and even removing the block drains, you are still going to have some fluid left in the block. So, that isn't too far off.