Warning

 

Close

Confirm Action

Are you sure you wish to do this?

Confirm Cancel
BCM
User Panel

Posted: 9/7/2010 5:30:44 PM EDT
Winter is coming. What is the proper way to flush a automobile radiator?
Link Posted: 9/7/2010 5:35:41 PM EDT
[#1]
1) Remove radiator cap from cool radiator.

2) Drain old coolant.

3) Close drain.

4) Add cooling system flush, and additional water as required.

5) Replace radiator cap.

6) Run engine as directed by cooling system flush procedure.

7) Allow engine to cool, remove radiator cap.

8) Drain cooling system flush.

9) Close drain.

10) Fill radiator with 50/50 mix of coolant and distilled water.

11) Replace radiator cap.

12) Run engine; check for leaks; top off coolant level as required.

13) Dispose of used coolant and cooling system flush properly.
Link Posted: 9/7/2010 5:36:53 PM EDT
[#2]
I have used the Prestone kit they sell at Wal-Mart. It involves cutting heater hoses so if that's not your thing, it may be best to take it to a shop you trust.

You could just drain and refill the radiator but that's not optimal.
Link Posted: 9/7/2010 5:38:24 PM EDT
[#3]
You will have to cut it into little pieces first.
Link Posted: 9/7/2010 5:39:13 PM EDT
[#4]



Quoted:


I have used the Prestone kit they sell at Wal-Mart. It involves cutting heater hoses so if that's not your thing, it may be best to take it to a shop you trust.



You could just drain and refill the radiator but that's not optimal.


This.

 



Flushing it out well = running water through it.  The fill-run-drain-fill kits are okay but not optimal.  I'm no mechanic though.
Link Posted: 9/7/2010 5:50:12 PM EDT
[#5]
Quoted:
1) Remove radiator cap from cool radiator.
2) Drain old coolant.
3) Close drain.
4) Add cooling system flush, and additional water as required.
5) Replace radiator cap.
6) Run engine as directed by cooling system flush procedure. [red]plus turn on your heater/ac/red]
7) Allow engine to cool, remove radiator cap.
8) Drain cooling system flush.
9) Close drain.
10) Fill radiator with 50/50 mix of coolant and distilled water.
11) Replace radiator cap.
12) Run engine; check for leaks; top off coolant level as required.
13) Dispose of used coolant and cooling system flush properly.




just my .02
Link Posted: 9/7/2010 6:08:40 PM EDT
[#6]
My neighbor drained his radiator down his driveway several years ago.Our other neighbor's dog unbeknownst to him drank some of it down.
Time the dogs owner got the dog to the vet it was too late.
Now that's the last time my neighbor has drained the fluid down his driveway. And after he paid the vet bills and reimbursed the owner for the price of a expensive dog he now takes it to the radiator shop for this perticular maintenance job.
Link Posted: 9/7/2010 6:10:02 PM EDT
[#7]
Quoted:
You will have to cut it into little pieces first.


This. And flush twice.
Link Posted: 9/7/2010 10:04:15 PM EDT
[#8]
don't waste your money on the prestone kits,go to a heavy truck dealer, get fleet guard plus and just follow directions on jug.
Close Join Our Mail List to Stay Up To Date! Win a FREE Membership!

Sign up for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership. One new winner* is announced every week!

You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers.


By signing up you agree to our User Agreement. *Must have a registered ARFCOM account to win.
Top Top