Radiator hose, what coolant and rad vac?

Jbird · Feb 28, 2016

Noticed my lower radiator hose is leaking somewhere close to the block. Already got on on the way and watched a few videos on replacing it.

What i couldnt find info on was what coolant to run and if i have to have the rad vac system to refill it.

Also wondering how much coolant water and how much distilled water to use. Any help would be great guys.

Block is bored .030 and all the top end goodies if that would have anything to do with what coolant to use

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6.0 Tech · Feb 28, 2016

50/50, a lot of guys use cat elc, i put gold in. Vacuum refiller is not necessary, as the degas is the highest point. Lower hose typically takes 5 gallons total, possibly 6.

When you change it, dont bother opening the petcock, as it doesnt drain out the lower hose anyway. Just get ready with a big ass bucket, i use concrete mixing tubs from home depot. Use a pocket screw driver to remove the clip holding the 2 halves together, then a panel popper to remove the hose from the lower core support and separate the 2 hoses. Be careful when separating them as there is a ton of coolant, like a gallon to gallon and a half if you drained the radiator first.

DEEZUZ · Feb 28, 2016

Always vacuum fill the system. I don't care if your d3leted

Jbird · Feb 28, 2016

Gold being the motorcraft stuff? So drain radiator first thing? How much should i expect from that

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Jbird · Feb 28, 2016

Also is rad vac the only way to vacuum fill?

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6.0 Tech · Feb 28, 2016

Jbird said:
Gold being the motorcraft stuff? So drain radiator first thing? How much should i expect from that

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Yes gold is the motorcraft stuff. If you drain the rad first, itll probably be 3-4 gallons, then whatever comes out of the hose whic will probably 1-1.5 gallons. I typically dont drain the radiator.

I also dont use a vacuum filler for it and dont have any problems. Itll get mostly full, tgen a quick drive and itll take about another quart to two quarts to make it perfect.

Get yourself some trans gel or something too, even with the factory lube on the o rings, it can be a pain to get the bottom section clipped together properly.

Wizbangdoodle · Feb 28, 2016

My engine builder suggested Cat ELC. When I refilled my coolant system, I did not use the vacuum system. I just looked up the coolant capacity and made sure I put that much in.

And they're right, when you separate the hoses, you'll get drenched.

Jbird · Feb 28, 2016

Ok sweet. ill just have to top off the coolant if i dont drain the radiator?

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6.0 Tech · Feb 28, 2016

It will still take about 5-6 gallns, i just dont drain it cause its a waste of 15-20 minutes waiting for it to drain, then it still doesnt get it all to keep ya from gettin wet the first couple times

Jbird · Feb 29, 2016

And what i put in will be mixed 50/50?

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Wizbangdoodle · Feb 29, 2016

Jbird said:
And what i put in will be mixed 50/50?

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My Cat ELC came premixed. Just dump it in and you're done.

6.0 Tech · Feb 29, 2016

Motorcraft will come 100%, so you will need distilled water to mix it at 50/50

Jbird · Feb 29, 2016

It looks like I might have to drive my truck some between now and when the hose comes in. Should i just top off with distilled water?

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