How to Flush a Radiator on a 1994 Honda Accord

A cooling system is relatively simple to work on at home as it does not require special tools. Perform this flushing procedure on your Accord every 30,000 miles or 24 months to prevent rusting and corrosion in the cooling system. Clean coolant and a working cooling system are important to maintain proper engine function and to help prolong the life of your car.

Instructions

Remove the radiator cap. Place the drain pan under the radiator.

Open the drain fitting under the radiator, which you may need pliers to do. Let the coolant mix drain.

Move the pan to underneath the engine block, around the oil filter area.

Open the drain plug located beside the oil filter using a socket wrench. Let the coolant further drain into the pan.

Dispose of the used coolant mix into a sink or a container for recycling.

Pour plenty of distilled water down the radiator and let the water drain into the pan.

Disconnect the overflow hose from the coolant reservoir left of the radiator. Drain the reservoir and flush it with distilled water. Attach the hose back to the reservoir.

Remove the drain pan and empty the water into a sink.

Close the drain on the radiator with its fitting; install and tighten the engine's plug using your wrench.

Set the heater to maximum inside your Accord's passenger compartment.

Loosen the air bleed bolt using an open-end wrench. The bolt is located on the thermostat housing.

Add new coolant mix into the radiator until only coolant comes out of the air bleed bolt (no bubbles), indicating that air has been expelled. Tighten the bolt with your open-end wrench. Fill the reservoir to its upper mark with the coolant mix.

Start your Accord with the radiator cap still off. Let the engine run until the thermostat opens and the upper radiator hose becomes hot before turning it off. Let the engine cool.

Fill the radiator to the lip with more coolant mix. Squeeze the upper radiator hose and add mix to the radiator again if the level drops. Place the cap back on the radiator and tighten it.

Run the engine again. Let it run to normal operating temperature. Inspect for leaking coolant.