Engine Coolant

[Guest]

How often should you really have the green engine coolant changed on a 2001 Expedition XLT. I am at 70,000 miles and have never had it done.

Also, is it fairly easy to do yourself?

Thanks for any help given.

 

[daveplot]

I've never changed it in an SUV before, only a small car. I followed a Haynes service manual which had me drain the radiator and coolent bottle, remove the radiator cap, insert a garden hose, and flush out everything. Then do the reverse and add coolent.

 

[PaulC]

70k? It's time. I would suggest that you have the system professionally flushed. I would suggest that you change the antifreeze every 30k from now on.

 

[Guest]

Its not hard at all, and personally I don't change mine but every 100k. I never flush either, had too many leaks in heater cores and radiators afterwards. I drain the system and refill.

 

[monsta]

You can test your coolant to see if it is still good, ya know?
But then again...changing stuff allows you to "bond" with your truck...

There are sooooooooo many coolant change ""kits" out there...pick one, get some coolant & maybe a tasty beverage or 2...3...4 , pick a nice afternoon and, if you have kids and a wife, milk it for all it's worth!

 

[Keydo]

Every two years, regardless of mileage is a pretty good rule of thumb for most vehicles.

 

[rwinch]

Yearly. Do it as an annual spring thing.
Again, it MAY be overkill, but I think that "bonding" thing is good. Besides, changing the coolant is a fairly cheap and easy thing to do, so why wait?
Baby the Exby, and it will take care of you in return!!!

 

[Guest]

Thanks for all the replies. I am not exactly mechanically inclined, so can someone give me the steps on changing the coolant? It looks like I need to do this now since I have never done it and I am at 70,000 miles.

Thanks!

 

[rwinch]

OK, first of all (and not being mean), if you have never done a coolant change, than this may not be the time to start.

But on the other hand, it is a simple project to start with!!!

Please see the attached procedures, which comes from a service manual CD. The first procedure shows you how to simply drain the coolant, and the second goes the next step, and shows you how to FLUSH to system. Flushing the system is far better than simply draining as it cleans more of the system.

When you are at the store getting the new coolant, get a Haynes manual for your truck, and try to get the flush kit.

Note, I presume that the setup on my '98 is not much different than your '01, but the Haynes manual will show any differences. In any case, the procedure steps should not be any different between the model years.

Good Luck!!!

 

[Guest]

Thank you so much for the attachment. I really appreciate the help!

 

[rwinch]

Its my pleasure!!!!

 

[Idahokid]

I bought a hydrometer.Tested the coolant and its good for -34.Mine also has the green coolant.