98DroptopSS

iTrader: (2)

What are the proper procedures for refilling and bleeding the cooling system on the LS1?

I did mine and I've got a coolant level light that won't go out, but the coolant level seems correct, what gives?

Another_User

I forget what the procedure is (is usually don't follow it anyways, but don't listen to me). But make sure you use distilled water, not tap water.

Grimes

iTrader: (3)

Here's what I did:

drain fluid at the petcock on the bottom of the radiator.
filled the radiator back up again.
left radiator cap off
started engine and had brother rev it up a little
kept the fluid level up to the top as he revvved it over and over again

this will get rid of the air pockets

worked well for me, and the car did fine over the summer.

Grimes

iTrader: (3)

oh, your coolant sensor may be bad if it never goes out, even after you fill it up.

Another_User

That's pretty much what I did too, so I don't feel too bad.

Here is what Haynes says:
1) check all hoses for damage, replace damaged/cracked.
2) put bucket under drain plug and open.
3) move container under engine block drain plugs (supposedly under the exhaust manifold. I would skip this step if I were you).
4) disconnect hose from coolant reservoir and flush it ouw with clean water.
5) place garden hose in radiator filler neck and flush the system until water runs clear at all points.
6) if radiator severely contaminated, remove and reverse flush from the bottom.
7) install and close all drain plugs.
8) add coolant system sealer if recommended by your vehicle manufacturer (never heard that one before myself).
9) slowly fill radiator with premixed coolant mixture (recommended percentages are on here somewhere. I think I used 60% water, and 40% coolant along with redline water wetter. I think I added a second bottle of water wetter when I did my thermostat install too).
10) wait two minutes, recheck level and add if necessary.
11) install radiator cap.
12) add coolant to the overflow reservoir up to the lowest mark.
13) on 97 and earlier models turn the engine to run and then off again, otherwise the check coolant light could stay on.
14) watch coolant level during the first few miles of driving, and check for leaks and loose clamp/plugs. The engine overflow should be a little above the "hot" level when hot.

I usually wait to install the radiator cap. I run the engine a few minutes with the cap off and add coolant if necessary.

98DroptopSS

iTrader: (2)

Thanks for the replies, I'll give it a try once it warms up here. I'll try a new coolant sensor too.