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How do I flush the cooling system?

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Old 01-31-2003, 03:56 AM
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Default How do I flush the cooling system?

I have used the search button and could not seem to find any info on how to properly flush the cooling system. I also read through Install University and could not find any specific instructions on how to do this job. Any tips would be appreciated along with any helpfull links. Thanx alot

Joe!
Old 01-31-2003, 06:03 PM
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Default Re: How do I flush the cooling system?

You can buy a kit at any auto parts store. It taps into the heater core hose. One note of interest is that 18 wheelers use a filter on the water to filter out the trash that clogs up the radiator because they run such high mileage on their trucks. Sounds like a pretty good idea for cars too. Your radiator and heater core would continue to flow for years without getting plugged up.
Old 01-31-2003, 10:03 PM
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Default Re: How do I flush the cooling system?

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by joez28:
<strong> I have used the search button and could not seem to find any info on how to properly flush the cooling system. I also read through Install University and could not find any specific instructions on how to do this job. Any tips would be appreciated along with any helpfull links. Thanx alot

Joe! </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">It depends why you want to flush, is it contaminated or are you just doing maintenance?
Old 02-01-2003, 08:22 AM
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Default Re: How do I flush the cooling system?

HMMM... I think I like the filter idea, I'm gonna have to take a gander the next time my uncle stops by.

Back the question: Is it just time for routine maintenence, or are you experienceing a problem? If it's just maintence, goto the parts store, and grab the flush and fill kit, If you're experienceing problems, best bet to to have it power flushed some where, because failing that it's time to have the radiator rodded out <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />
Old 02-01-2003, 03:09 PM
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Default Re: How do I flush the cooling system?

Im just performing routine maintenence on the car. I just bought the car a month ago and want to make sure its got this done for piece of mind. I wanted to know where to unplug the cooling system to get all the fluid out. The car runs fine and I have had no problems with overheating or anything.
Old 02-01-2003, 03:58 PM
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Default Re: How do I flush the cooling system?

The best way to flush for routine maintenance is to open the drain at the base of the remove the thermostat and remove the block drain. Fill with clean water, let it reshc operating temperature, drain again and refill.

After refilling, be sure to wait until the thermostat opens, top off the radiator, close the radiator cap and then fill the resevoir to the fill line.

By the way, the manual recommends 5 years or 150000 mile service intervals.
Old 02-02-2003, 01:21 PM
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Default Re: How do I flush the cooling system?

Where is the coolant block drain??
Thanks!
Old 02-03-2003, 02:32 PM
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Default Re: How do I flush the cooling system?

One is up under the starter, and there is another up by the oil filter pad.
Old 02-03-2003, 04:20 PM
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Default Re: How do I flush the cooling system?

The easiest way to make sure the water that you put back in your car is clean is to buy distilled water from the grocery store. It's only $0.69 per gallon, and with a full flush you won't need more that 10 gallons. I did it this weekend and I used 6 gal. There are 3 drain plugs, the thermostat, the block drain, and the bottom right corner of the radiator itself. If you use a flush kit, you are gonna have to drain and fill 3 times, and then add the cooland. Make sure to use the dex-cool coolant (orange not green) there is some lubricant in it for your waterpump.




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