• Mustang Forums
  • 2005 - 2014 S-197 Mustang -General/Talk-
  • 2005 - 2009 Specific Tech

Radiator Flush ---a few quick questions

  • Thread starter Thread starter chgovfk
  • Start date Start date Dec 7, 2011

chgovfk

15 Year Member
Apr 17, 2007
531
28
59
AZ
Dec 7, 2011
#1
  • Dec 7, 2011
  • #1
I have an 07' GT w/22k on it - it 'sits' alot - I've read through alot of forums - so I think I know how to flush it - either buy the flush kit from prestone or pump water through it while it's running- question - never did it before -

If I flush it with water can I just use the hose w/tap H2o - and then when I'm doing the 50/50 mix just use/add the distilled water?
Also - I assume there's a drain at the base of the radiator - is this correct (forums show one for 99-04) - I have a ford manual and will look at the car but?

I'd like to clean the reservior tanks out - do I have to remove them or will they naturally turn back 'clear' with the flush?
If I leave the cap off - will this clear the air pockets out - burp the car as everyone is speaking about?
 

Noobz347

Stangnet Facilities Maint Tech... Er... Janitor
Admin Dude
Jan 4, 1985
42,957
21,132
234
Box behind Walmart
Dec 7, 2011
#2
  • Dec 7, 2011
  • #2
Yes, you can use tap water for the flush (remove as much of this as is humanly possible when the flush is over)

You should use a flush component (buy from the parts store)

You can use something like CLR if you have a lot of scale (from using tap water in your radiator)

Yes, there should be a petcock on the radiator.

Use a few gallons of distilled water for the final flush and top off with 50/50

Use tap water in your cooling system only as a last resort and flush it out at your earliest opportunity.
 

chgovfk

15 Year Member
Apr 17, 2007
531
28
59
AZ
Dec 7, 2011
#3
  • Dec 7, 2011
  • #3
Thanks for the info Noobz347
 
K

Konrad

New Member
Dec 1, 2008
27
0
1
Dec 14, 2011
#4
  • Dec 14, 2011
  • #4
Beware, don't put cold water in a hot engine for obvious reasons. Also, with the coolant still cold, the thermostat won't open so it won't flush properly unless you take that out.
 

Noobz347

Stangnet Facilities Maint Tech... Er... Janitor
Admin Dude
Jan 4, 1985
42,957
21,132
234
Box behind Walmart
Dec 14, 2011
#5
  • Dec 14, 2011
  • #5
In other words: run the car to operating temp. I wouldn't remove the t-stat for just a flush.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

B
Saying Hi
  • BriansNSane
  • Dec 20, 2025
  • The Welcome Wagon
Replies
5
Views
274
The Welcome Wagon Dec 21, 2025
BriansNSane
B
M
Progress Thread mnky99 2001 V6 evap core, ac compressor, heater core replacement
  • mnky99
  • Sep 5, 2025
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
Replies
1
Views
459
1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk- Sep 5, 2025
mnky99
M
6
Hey all,I’m putting together a 302 for my 1968 Mustang and wanted to post the combo + some questions to make sure I’m not missing crucial
  • 68_Disgustang
  • Feb 22, 2026
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
Replies
4
Views
748
1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk- Jun 20, 2026
gray owl
G
Engine Cooling reservoir questions
  • R82148V
  • Oct 3, 2022
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
12
Views
2K
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Oct 16, 2022
Mustang5L5
A
1991 5.0 with HCI - started car, running for a few minutes, started pushing coolant into the overflow tank and then puking out from there. I'm lost
  • AmericanMuscle4.6GT
  • Oct 16, 2022
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
6
Views
4K
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Nov 30, 2022
CAMTWO1070
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 2005 - 2014 S-197 Mustang -General/Talk-
  • 2005 - 2009 Specific Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?