Draining and Filling Cooling System
Caution
With a pressurized cooling system, the coolant temperature in the radiator can
be considerably higher than the boiling point of the solution at atmospheric
pressure. Removal of the surge tank cap, while the cooling system is hot and
under high pressure, causes the solution to boil instantaneously with explosive
force. This will cause the solution to spew out over the engine, the fenders,
and the person removing the cap. Serious bodily injury may result.
Important
If the procedure below is not followed a low or high coolant level condition
and/or vehicle damage could result.
1) Park the vehicle on a level surface.
2) Remove the surge tank cap:
3)Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the
Vehicle in General Information.
4) Place a drain pan under the draincock.
5) Open the radiator draincock.
6) Allow the cooling system to drain completely.
7) Inspect the engine coolant for the following:
Discolored -- follow the flush procedure below.
Normal in appearance -- continue with the next step.
Notice
When adding coolant, use DEX-COOLŪ coolant. If silicated coolant is added to the
system, premature engine, heater core or radiator corrosion may result. In
addition, the engine coolant will require change sooner-at 50 000 km (30,000 mi)
or 24 months.
Notice
Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be
the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or
fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified
in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors
on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect
fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the
correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in
order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
8) Close the radiator draincock. Tighten.
Tighten the radiator draincockto 2 N·m (18 lb in).
9) Fill the cooling system through the surge tank.
10) Fill the cooling system with a 50/50 mixture of DEX-COOLŪ coolant and
deionized water.
11) Start the engine.
12) Allow the engine to idle for 1 minute.
13) Install surge tank cap.
14) Cycle the engine RPMs from idle to 3000 in 30 second intervals until the
coolant temperature reaches 99°C (210°F).
15)Shut off the engine.
16) Remove the surge tank cap.
17) Start the engine.
18) Allow the engine to Idle for 1 minute. Fill the surge tank to 12.7 mm (0.5
in) above the COLD FULL mark on the surge tank.
19) Install the surge tank cap.
20) Cycle the engine RPMs from idle to 3000 in 30 second intervals until the
coolant reaches 99°C (210°F).
21) Shut off the engine.
22) Remove the surge tank cap.
23) Top off the coolant as necessary, 12.7 mm (0.5 in) above FULL COLD mark on
the surge tank.
24) Rinse away any excess coolant from the engine and the engine compartment.
25) Inspect the concentration of the engine coolant.
26) Install the surge tank cap.