Radiator Coolant Change

I have a 200 ford Windstar I just purchased thru an auction, I wanted to flush and change the radiator coolant, I am not finding any radiator cap(which I have never not seen before). Is there a special way of changing the coolant on this van, or do you just add coolant to the reserve bottle after you empty and flush the system.

There is no radiator cap. I don't know when Ford began this radiator design, maybe '97 or so, ... but I like it much better than the older pressure relief overflow bottle type.

Nowadays the "overflow" reservoir is not really "overflow" ... it's just part of the system ... and the whole thing is pressurized. Far easier to drain and refill.

Except for the radiator drain valve. Its well hidden and almost useless. Some folks just disconnect the lower radiator hose.

2002 windstar sport 3.8l 60,000 miles.I think the coolant is original.How often should I change coolant and flush my radiator? Should I do it now?

I would change the fluid....and....I think that they say every 2 years.....check your owner's manual to be sure. Also.....You do NOT want to mix "long life" and regular types of antifreeze......so if you are switching.....or are not sure as to what is in there.......do a very complete flush.....with water....to remove ALL of the old coolant.

Once you flush the system.......you will then want to check your owner's manual....and find out the total capacity of the cooling system. Then add 1/2 that amount of pure coolant......before topping off with water. This is because.....when you drain the system.....you will still have a lot of water in there.

I used the Prestone coolant that claims to be compatible with all types. Is getting too confusing with all the different kinds of coolant out there....and I felt that if I had problems on the road....that I would have the best chance of finding the Prestone...and if not...that the Prestone would be "compatible" with whatever I ended up having to use.

Carefully look at the bottle when you are buying.....they sell "premixed 50/50" and Pure antifreeze. If you are flushing the system....you will want to add pure antifreeze......not the pre-mixed. If you are adding antifreeze....and not draining....the 50/50 "pre-mix" is a good way to go.

Unless the pre mixed is really convenient for you I would stick with the pure anti-freeze and mix it at home. The prices up here in Canadian dollars was about $12.00 for the pure and $10.00 for the 50/50.