I'll be replacing a thernostat and flushing the cooling system in a 2000 Ford Explorer (V6), and since it's a relative's vehicle, I'd like to be sure I'm doing this right. Years ago when I did my own vehicle, I didn't worry with "burping" the system, and all seemed to have worked out fine, but it didn't occur to me then to remove air from the system.

My question is what is easiest way to completely flush the system and make sure I do it right, including removing air from the system? I haven't looked at the vehicle yet, but assume I can find the thermostat. Anything anyone can tell me would be much appreciated. I go back to the time when thermostats were easy to find and anti-freeze came in just one color. Now it seems the formulations are numerous. I have the right thermostat and the right anti-freeze. Now, if I can figure out how to do the job the right way!

 

i can tell you when I did my g4 taurus i pulled the lower hose
under the passenger side and drained. i then put hose back and filled with flush and disstilled water and ran it like that for a few hours, then flushed and ran water through the system then refilled according to specs. my taurus is a 3.0l v6, it hink the same as the explorer.

did not worry about air in the system.