How much coolant to use?

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Nov 9, 2006 | 01:25 PM

pHEnomIC

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From: Michigan (Macomb or Lansing)

How much coolant to use?

Doing a cam swap in a couple weeks so want to get everything ready. I am gonna use new coolant. I plan on getting as much of the old stuff out as possible.

Is one gallon of straight dexcool or compatible coolant enough? Then just top off with distilled water? Or will i need 2 or more gallons? This is for an ls1 car btw.

Nov 9, 2006 | 02:48 PM

BORN2LOSE

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From: COLORADO SPRINGS, CO

Are you going to drain all the coolant out of the radiator and the block? If you are then why wouldn't you use a 50/50 mixture of dexcool/distilled water until its full? If you are looking for the capacity I believe its 12 quarts. Maybe someone can chime in. Didn't come up with anything with a search. You could also check the owners manual.

Last edited by BORN2LOSE; Nov 9, 2006 at 02:58 PM.

Nov 9, 2006 | 03:24 PM

pHEnomIC

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From: Michigan (Macomb or Lansing)

Yeah i plan to use 50/50 dex cool/ water. Was just curious how much to buy. so 2 gallons of dexcool should be more than enough?

Nov 9, 2006 | 03:34 PM

2001NBMZ28

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From: Jacksonville, FL

Yeah, that's more than enough. I always mix it first in lieu of just topping it off with water...make sure you get all the air out.

Nov 9, 2006 | 03:39 PM

impala11419

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how would you get all the air out the system?

Nov 9, 2006 | 03:51 PM

BORN2LOSE

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From: COLORADO SPRINGS, CO

Run the car with the radiator cap off and the heater on full blast for about 10 minutes. Should take care of the bubbles.

Nov 11, 2006 | 09:09 PM

INMY01TA

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From: Crofton Md.

If your just draining the radiator, one gallon of straight Dexcool will do. Fill the radiator with the dexcool and then should take one gallon of water after that. I always keep a gallon of the premixed quickfill around and just use that to top it off afterwards if needed.