look at the bottom or rear of radiator
Coolant is flushed from the radiator of a 1997 Honda Accord by opening the petcock and allowing the system to drain. The petcock is then closed, the system filled with water, and a flush added to the radiator to cleanse the system.
To change the antifreeze in a 1997 Ford Aspire, first, ensure the engine is cool and then locate the radiator drain plug at the bottom of the radiator. Place a container under the radiator, open the drain plug, and let the old antifreeze drain out completely. After draining, close the plug, and refill the radiator with a 50/50 mix of new antifreeze and distilled water. Finally, run the engine with the heater on high to circulate the fluid, check for leaks, and top off if necessary.
I AM NOT familiar with this exact vehicle, but as far as the petcock goes, if the radiator is plastic, there may not be one at the bottom. You may just have to remove the bottom hose and drain it from there. As far as the thermostat goes, ask a Ford dealer or invest in the big orange book called "CHILTONS". You can find a Chiltons at major automotive stores. The book is expensive, but well worth it if you do your own repairs on a regular basis. GOOD LUCK
Some cars during those years did not have a petcock. Need to lossen the bottom hose and drain.
drain plug on bottom of radiator
open the drain at the bottom of the radiator and remove cap
Go to a Toyota dealer and buy a gallon of coolant, and underneath the radiator will be a drain petcock (descripion of a petcock will be in the owners manual. remove radiator cap, open petcock and drain coolant into a suitable receptacle for recycling. after it is finished draining, tighten petcock and slowly fill radiator w/fresh coolant, being careful not to get any air bubbles in cooling system. start engine, turn on the heat, and put the fan on the lowest speed and watch until the cooling fans cycle twice. reinstall radiator cap and replenish level and coolant overflow bottle. coolant change is complete. verify you get hot air from system before closing radiator cap. good luck.
Bottom of the radiator.
Bottom or rear bottom of radiator
FACING the petcock, turn it CLOCKWISE, as if you are screwing it IN. Many times it is a little rusted and hard to turn. Before you start, spray it with any number of products available for rusted or stuck threads, such as WD-40. Then use pliers to gently turn the petcock to the RIGHT. GOOD LUCK!
The thermostat on a 1997 Ford Aspire is located on the engine, specifically at the end of the upper radiator hose where it connects to the engine block. To access it, you'll need to remove the upper radiator hose and the thermostat housing, which is typically held in place by bolts. Make sure to drain some coolant before starting this process to avoid spills.
Theres a drain plug at the bottom of the radiator.. or you can undo the bottom hose..