Need info on starter removal/coolant flush

[Truckmaniac]

I'm preparing to change my Motorcraft Gold coolant to the CAT ELC Red coolant, so I'll be doing a complete cooling system flush.

During the flush procedure, I plan to drain the block by removing the drain plugs located on each side of the block. The driver side plug (from what I've read) is easy to get to. However, the passenger side plug appears to be obstructed by the starter.

Questions:

Can the passenger side plug be removed with the starter in-place?

How difficult is it to remove & replace the starter?

If the starter has to be removed, is there any danger of getting coolant and/or water inside the flywheel area?

[kinnisoj]

I didnt even mess with the passenger plug. Just did a real good flush n refill with vc9 and alot of distelled water. Took me most of the day. Ive checked my coolant filter twice and so far Im happy.

[04hdfatboy]

I also didnt mess with the passenger side drain plug. I just removed the drivers side and drained the radiator. I did a bunch of flushes with distilled water. I also have a coolant filter

[ramonpowerstroker]

Dont mess with it. Its hard, and difficult. Do from radiator, flush with distalled water you need alot of gallons. When done flushing, use 100% consaturate cat elc-1 antifreeze and put in first. 4 gallons of it so it will be balanced

[Big Angry Hillbilly]

You can get the plug out without removing the starter, but you're going to wear a lot of antifreeze doing so.

Takes about 5 minutes to pull the starter off, 3 bolts.

[Fussgus]

I don't have all day to do flush after flush. I figured I will drop the starter, drain everything, flush once, drain and fill with distilled.

[Truckmaniac]

Originally Posted by Fussgus

I don't have all day to do flush after flush. I figured I will drop the starter, drain everything, flush once, drain and fill with distilled.

Yeah, that will work. NOT!

Why even do it if you aren't going to take the time to do it right.

[Fussgus]

it saves time not quality duh...

[ATVJOE]

Sorry for the stupid question, but what am I hurting if I just flush mine and use the Ford Gold again as anti-freeze?

[usnavyad]

When I did mine I did not pull the starter and also when I did mine I hooked a hose up to the degas bottle and left the block and radiator drain open then I started the truck ran it with them open nailed it to blow all the stuff out then. Flushed with vc9 bought the truck up to operating temp flushed again with hose the. 21 gals of distilled like 6 cycles took all day