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Ford Mustang GT 1996-2014: How to Flush Radiator

Flushing your Mustang’s radiator out every now and then is a terrific way to maintain optimal performance. Doing this relatively simple chore will remove stubborn rust and corrosive deposits, as well as improve the life expectancy of the system as a whole.

By Jeffrey Bausch - October 23, 2015

This article applies to the Ford Mustang GT (1996-2014).

The radiator is one of the more important systems in your Mustang. After all, it’s tasked with making sure your car never overheats. Not taking care of it and its components can lead to breakdown, failure, and in some instances, some pretty expensive damages. Maintaining the system can go a long way to extending the lifetime and peak performance levels of your prized vehicle.

One relatively simple thing to do is flush it out—doing this removes rust and other corrosive deposits from the system. It takes just a few minutes, but can go a long way to maintaining the overall health of the vehicle.

Figure 1. Your Ford Mustang.

Materials Needed

  • Bucket
  • Distilled water
  • 50/50 coolant

Step 1 – Let the car cool down

If you’ve driven the car around recently, give the coolant a chance to cool down. Failing to do so will result in serious injury when you go to remove the radiator cap.

Figure 2. Pop the hood and let the motor cool down.

Step 2 – Get car on jacks and remove coolant plug

Once you’re able to get under your Mustang, take off the radiator cap on top and then go under the car to locate as well as remove the coolant plug. Allow the coolant to drain into a bucket and discard appropriately.

Step 3 – Fasten bolt and fill radiator with water

Fasten the bolt back in place and fill the reservoir with about a gallon of distilled water. If you need more, just use tap water, so long as it’s at the “full level.” You may need to give it a minute or two to drain down into the system.

Figure 3. Fill the radiator overflow with distilled water.

Step 4 – Start the car

Leave the overflow cap off and allow the car to run to the point that its operating temperatures are normal (gauge is between hot and cold) normal. The goal is have the fans kick on, as that indicates that the thermostat has opened up and the water has gotten to temperature.

Step 5 – Drain water and add 50/50 coolant

Take the reservoir cap off, go underneath the car and remove the coolant bolt. Allow the water to drain into a bucket. Once complete, replace bolt and fill reservoir with 50/50 coolant.

Leave the cap undone, start the car, and turn on the heater to the highest setting. Raise the vehicle’s RPMs to about 1,500 until heat starts to come out of the vents, then top of your tank. Once you can no longer top off, replace the cap.

Over the next few days of driving, remove the cap (after the car’s cooled down) and check the coolant levels. Top off as appropriate.

Figure 4. Refilling the radiator with 50/50 coolant.

Featured Video: How to Flush Radiator

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