Capacity issue after coolant flush & fill.

[Crack_Tan]

Vehicle: '98 Ford Ranger 2.5l
Coolant: Prestone Extended Life (aka "New Prestone / AF2000")
Flush: Zerex Super Radiator Flush

Okay, here's my problem: I premixed coolant/water (50/50) to 6.8l as per owner's manual, but I could only get ~5.3l back into the system. This was two days ago and I've managed to add another ~.5l since. While draining coolant, the truck was on level surface, but I didn't open the block drain(s). Now I took my time with this and let the radiator drain thoroughly, I allowed the thermostat to open several times during the flushing and rinsing process, and I am sure my coolant mix was measured correctly. Yes, I allowed engine to run with radiator cap off until air and coolant gurgled out; also squeezed upper hose to get more air out, had heater on full-blast during the entire process, and drained & filled the overflow resevoir. My question is, could that much water (~1.5l - 1.0l) still have been in the block and not drained out? I fear my 50/50 mix is now something like 40/60 (w/c)...and my hydrometer shows new mix to only be good to -22F. What did I miss?

Thanks...

C.T.

[ November 03, 2005, 01:50 PM: Message edited by: Crack_Tan ]

 

[Kestas]

Yes, after flushing some water will be left behind. That's why after flushing I start with the known capacity, refill 50% with antifreeze, then top off with distilled water until full. It's the closest you can get to a 50-50 mix after flushing.

 

[Crack_Tan]

Duh, should have though of that method. Guess I'll have to drain out a liter or so and top off with pure antifreeze.

Thanks.

 

[blupupher]

My last few drains I have just drained the radiator and no flush and then filled with the 50/50 mix. While this won't work well for older vehicles/fluid, it works fine for low mile vehicles.

 

[Crack_Tan]

I'm not so sure I'll change my coolant myself next time.

Between the rediculous state of anti-freeze compliance (DexCool vs. G05 vs. Prestone Generic), the rainbow of colors to worry about, the amount of mess you have to dispose of, and the persistant thought that my wife's cat is walking funny today, I think I'll just shill out the $69.95 next time for Ford to do it.

At least that way I have somebody to yell at when it is screwed up.

 

[cos]

Crack_Tan,

The easiest and least expensive method for cooling system maintaince is a simple "drain and fill" every 1-1.5 yrs. I do that on my Escort each fall and it takes 20 mins and costs $4.00.