Here's a general procedure. Consult your owner's manual for the precise location of drain valves and specifics for your vehicle. The locations might vary slightly depending on the engine type (3.0L V6 or 4.0L V6).
1. Locate the Drain Valves: The Aerostar typically has a drain valve on the lower radiator hose, and potentially another on the engine block. The radiator drain is usually located near the bottom of the radiator itself. The engine block drain plug (if equipped) is likely near the bottom of the engine, close to where the lower radiator hose attaches.
2. Position a Drain Pan: Place a large drain pan under the radiator and, if present, the engine block drain. Make sure the pan is large enough to hold all the coolant.
3. Open the Radiator Cap (Carefully!): Once the engine is completely cool, carefully open the radiator cap to relieve pressure. Do this slowly and point the cap away from you to avoid hot coolant spraying.
4. Open the Drain Valves: Carefully open the drain valve on the radiator. If there's an engine block drain plug, open that as well. The coolant will begin to drain into your pan.
5. Let it Drain Completely: Allow ample time for all the coolant to drain from the radiator and engine block. This may take 15-30 minutes or even longer.
6. Close the Drain Valves: Once the draining is complete, close both the radiator drain valve and the engine block drain plug (if applicable) securely.
7. Refill: Once the drain valves are closed, carefully refill the cooling system with the correct type and amount of coolant (refer to your owner's manual for specifications). Use a 50/50 mix of coolant and distilled water, unless otherwise specified.
8. Bleed the System (Important!): After refilling, you'll need to bleed the air out of the cooling system. This is crucial to prevent overheating. The method for bleeding the system may vary. Consult your owner's manual for the specific procedure. Generally, it involves running the engine with the heater on full blast until the thermostat opens and air bubbles stop appearing in the overflow reservoir.
Safety Precautions:
* Wear gloves and eye protection to protect yourself from the coolant. Coolant is toxic.
* Work in a well-ventilated area.
* Dispose of the old coolant properly. Check with your local waste management facility for regulations on coolant disposal. Do not pour it down the drain or onto the ground.
If you're not comfortable performing this task yourself, it's best to take your Aerostar to a qualified mechanic. Improper draining or refilling can lead to overheating and engine damage.
