Antifreeze is a mixture of water and a colligative agent. This agent drops the freezing temperature and raises the boiling point of the fluid. Agents also present prevent corrosion in the engine and a lubricant for the water pump. The traditional green antifreeze worked well for early model vehicles. Replace it every 30,000, miles as it looses its properties to protect against corrosion. Late model vehicles use Dexcool orange antifreeze that has an extended lifespan of 100,000 miles. Some late model vehicles require Dexcool due to the materials used in production of the cooling system that would corrode with standard antifreeze. Always read the owner's manual for the type needed. The 1997 Chevy Cavalier came with standard green antifreeze. Mild climatic zones require a 50-50 mix of water to antifreeze.
Instructions
- 1
Place the drain pan under the radiator petcock drain on the bottom of the radiator. Open the petcock with the pliers. Remove the radiator cap to expedite the draining process. Close the drain using the pliers. Dispose of the antifreeze at most any auto parts store. Do not leave it where dogs or cats can reach it.
2Pour the can of flush in the radiator and fill it with water. Replace the radiator cap. Start the engine and allow it to idle for 20 minutes for the flush to work. After the time has elapsed, shut the engine off and allow it to cool.
3Remove the radiator cap. Remove the top radiator hose at the radiator. Loosen the clamp and pull the hose off the radiator inlet. Two types of clamps are used -- a spring clamp which requires pliers, and an adjustable type which requires the common screwdriver.
4Place the hose in the radiator filler opening but do not turn the water on yet. Start the engine and run it long enough to heat up to open the thermostat. The way the cooling system works begins with water drawn in to the water pump from the bottom of the radiator, circulated through the engine and heater core and returned through the thermostat on the top of the intake manifold to the radiator top hose. Water pumps do not supply much pressure so don't worry about starting the engine with the hose disconnected. It will drain slowly, filling half the hose when the thermostat is wide open.
5Start the engine and watch for water to start flowing out of the top hose. The water is relatively clean except for some rust since the antifreeze has been drained, allow it to drain into a large bucket until any remaining coolant flushes. It will take a few minutes for the water to raise in temperature enough to open the thermostat. Once water begins to flow from the top hose turn the water on just enough to keep the radiator full. The system is completely flushed at this time. When the water runs clean from the top hose, turn the water off and shut the engine off immediately.
6Open the radiator drain with the pliers again and allow the water to drain out so there is room for the antifreeze. Close the drain when finished. Install the top radiator hose and tighten the clamp.
7Pour the can of conditioner and water pump lubricant into the radiator followed by the gallon of antifreeze. Fill the radiator the remainder of the way with water. Rinse the radiator and support shroud with water to remove any remaining antifreeze and generally clean up.
8Start the engine and allow it to warm up. Look into the radiator filler neck occasionally to see when the thermostat opens. When it does open, watch the antifreeze flowing through the coils and the level will drop considerably. At this point, fill the radiator the rest of the way with water and install the radiator cap. Fill the radiator reservoir to the proper level with water.
