I had a feeling that that was the case. Peter, thanks for the explanation on the procedure on how to get the air out; I wish that I had had this earlier. Maybe it'll work with a Ford too (the 6.9l IDI is also prone to getting air trapped in cooling passages following a flush).

Just want to double-check; when you talk about the hose going to the expansion tank, are you talking about the tiny hose that goes to the top of the radiator, or the larger one that goes to the bottom? I presume that squeezing the upper radiator hose with my hand will be sufficient for that end.

Thanks again