Radiator Flush

lskrogers · Nov 4, 2008

I know the old adage, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it," but let's just say I'm trying to prevent problems. I have a 2000 Ranger, 3.0, and it seems to heat and cool just fine. I bought it used and have no idea if and when the previous owner ever, drained and refilled the cooling system. I have read the active chemical on the Prestone Rad. Flush bottles and it is Citric Acid. Several web sites say citric acid is great for copper radiators but NOT for aluminum systems. Several web sites say to use nothing to flush the radiator but to just drain and fill.
Does a 2000 Ranger have a copper or aluminum radiator and does anybody suggest a cleaner or just drain and fill?
I'd sure appreciate some ideas.
Thanks!!

Wicked_Sludge · Nov 4, 2008

preventative maintainence is a good way to make your vehicle last a looong time.

the 3.0 has an unfortunately bad track record for original coolant. it seems ford, in their infinite wisdom, neglects to properly clean the casting abbrasives out of the block before filling it with coolant. the result is the factory antifreeze has a tendancy to turn black and "thicken up" prematurely...which can lead to serious problems. one of the best things you can do is get that crap out of there as soon as possible.

your radiator is aluminum. its been my experience that most liquid radiator flushes dont do much (neither bad nor good). what i always reccomend for flushing the cooling system is a dry concentrated acid made by a company called mac's sold at napa. it comes in a blue bottle and is a POWDER, not a liquid. this stuff is very powerful and will react to antifreeze...so using it requires that you first drain and flush the system with water to remove all traces of antifreeze. you then fill the system with water, add the acid, and let the engine idle for 1/2 hour to circulate. repeat the draining and flushing, then finally fill with 50/50 antifreeze. it also helps to remove the t-stat before starting. this process works very well for cleaning out the entire cooling system including the radiator and engine water jacket...helping to remove all the crap ford leaves in the engine block.

after that, remember to flush the system every few years to prevent corrosion from building up.

laclabb · Oct 8, 2009

lskrogers said:
I know the old adage, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it," but let's just say I'm trying to prevent problems. I have a 2000 Ranger, 3.0, and it seems to heat and cool just fine. I bought it used and have no idea if and when the previous owner ever, drained and refilled the cooling system. I have read the active chemical on the Prestone Rad. Flush bottles and it is Citric Acid. Several web sites say citric acid is great for copper radiators but NOT for aluminum systems. Several web sites say to use nothing to flush the radiator but to just drain and fill.
Does a 2000 Ranger have a copper or aluminum radiator and does anybody suggest a cleaner or just drain and fill?
I'd sure appreciate some ideas.
Thanks!!

Lolz my old friend use to say that. But I am a safe guy. Anyways, I also tried applying the dry concentrated acid sold at napa. Try it man.

shadetree · Oct 8, 2009

laclabb said:
Lolz my old friend use to say that. But I am a safe guy. Anyways, I also tried applying the dry concentrated acid sold at napa. Try it man.

You do know this thread is a year old, right??????????????

shady

Radiator Flush

lskrogers

15+ Year Member

Wicked_Sludge

15+ Year Member

laclabb

15+ Year Member

shadetree

15+ Year Member

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