Coolant is circulated through the radiator and cooling system passages in water-cooled vehicle engines. The coolant absorbs heat from the engine block which is dissipated when the coolant circulates through that radiator's finned passages. Over time, coolant may pick up scale, sediment or other particles. When circulated through the system these particles mat damage the water pump or other cooling components. By flushing the old coolant out of the system and replenishing it with fresh coolant, you may be able to prolong the life of cooling system parts.
Instructions
- 1
Drive the vehicle onto a set of auto ramps and apply the parking brake. Place wheel chocks under the rear wheels.
2Open the hood of the vehicle and allow the engine to cool so you will not be scalded by hot coolant. Place a drain pan under the radiator at the front of the vehicle. Open the drain valve on the bottom of the radiator with a wrench or a pair of pliers. Permit the coolant to drain fully into the drain pan, then tighten the valve.
3Crawl under the vehicle and locate the coolant drain plug or plugs on the engine, usually located on the lower side of the side of the block above the oil pan. Place the drain pan under the engine drain plug, then loosen the plug with a ratchet wrench or hex key, depending on the type of plug. Tighten the plug or plugs when the coolant has finished draining from the engine. Remove the drain pan from under the vehicle and pour the old coolant into suitable containers, such as old antifreeze jugs, for recycling.
4Remove the filler cap from the top of the radiator or coolant tank. Place a funnel in the opening and fill the system with distilled water until the level reaches the full mark. Replace the cap and start the engine, allowing it to reach operating temperature, usually 10 to15 minutes.
5Shut the engine off and allow it to cool. Place the drain pan back under the radiator and loosen the drain valve. Close the valve when the radiator has fully drained. Drain the coolant from the engine by loosening the coolant drain plugs on the block as accomplished previously. Tighten the plugs.
6Refill the system with distilled water and start the engine, allowing it to reach operating temperature. Repeat the refilling, warming up, and draining procedure as many times as necessary until the coolant drained from the system looks clean and clear of particles.
7Refill the system with a fifty-fifty mix of fresh antifreeze and distilled water up to the full mark. Start the engine and let it warm up. Recheck the level and add a fifty-fifty mix as needed to bring the level back up to the full mark. Replace the filler cap. Remove the wheel chocks and back the vehicle off of the ramps.
