I am trying to drain my radiator and can’t find the radiator drain plug on my 2002 Ford Ranger XLT, 2.3L. engine.
RESPONSE
The radiator drain plug is located toward the bottom of the radiator on the passenger side.
Filling and bleeding procedure for use with partial drain
- Ensure the radiator drain plug is completely closed.
- Fill the system through the degas bottle cap to 15 mm above the maximum fill level.
- Install the degas bottle cap.
- WARNING: Do not stand in line with or near the engine cooling fan blade when revving the engine.Start the engine and hold at 2,500 rpm engine speed for approximately eight minutes until the thermostat opens.
- Maintain 2,500 rpm engine speed for an additional three minutes.
- Increase engine speed to 4,000 rpm and hold for five seconds.
- Return engine speed to 2,500 rpm and hold for an additional three minutes.
- Stop the engine and check for leaks.
Filling and bleeding procedure for use with complete drain
- Install the radiator lower hose and close the radiator drain plug.
- Fill the system through the degas bottle cap to the maximum fill level.
- WARNING: Do not stand in line with or near the engine cooling fan blade when revving the engine.Start the engine and run for approximately ten seconds at 2,500 rpm to prime the heater circuit then turn the engine off.
- Top off the coolant level to 15 mm (0.6 in) above the max fill level.
- Install the degas bottle cap.
- Start the engine and hold at 2,500 rpm engine speed for approximately eight minutes until the thermostat opens.
- Maintain 2,500 rpm engine speed for an additional three minutes.
- Increase engine speed to 4,000 rpm and hold for five seconds.
- Return engine speed to 2,500 rpm and hold for an additional three minutes.
- Repeat the previous two steps.
- Stop the engine and check for leaks.
- Verify correct fluid level after engine cools for 20 minutes. Top off the degas bottle to “max” line.