My 98 Cavalier is due, among other things, for a coolant change. Having read most of the postings on this topic here and other groups, I feel pretty confident that this is something I could do myself. I do, however, have a few questions:
I know that to drain the coolant from the thermostat I need to turn the car on with the heater knob turned all the way into the red. Apparently, the thermostat opens only when the engine is on and hot... At the same time, I’m very well informed on every cap and container related to the radiator that the engine must be off and absolutely cold before the draining.
- So, how exactly do I open the thermostat and keep the engine cold?
There are a number of radiator cleaning/flushing products on the market that I've never seen mentioned being used
- Is it a good idea to use something like a Preston radiator flush?
- Would a product like that do any damage to the radiator (or anything else inside it comes in contact with)?
I've read several posts with respect to bleeding and problems getting rid of the air pockets.
- Is there one proper way to fill the radiator so as to minimize air pockets?
- Do I need to open bleeder valves? If so, where are they (a picture would really help)?
- Is it true that ramping up the engine a few times would get the air out?
- When filling up to Full Cold, do I keep the reservoir cap off while the engine is running?
2.2, OK.
What I have done is remove the thermostat first. Then remove the top hose, run your garden hose into the top hose so that it flows throught the radiator hose, the block, and then the radiator top inlet. When the water comes out clean, drain the radiator through the bottom petcock, or remove the bottom hose to let it drain. Put it all back together, add the correct amount antifreeze to the radiator, then water to top it off.
You can run Dexcool-III only if you have flushed all the old green A/F out before hand. Unless you had Dexcool in it to begin with.
I've never had a problem with air pockets.
Good luck.
Sounds good. I think I've read your post or something similar already.
I, however, am looking for a non intrusive approach to this procedure i.e. drain-and-fill (nothing gets removed or detached)...
I would really appreciate if someone could just answer the questions I've asked, though...
OK.
Method #2.
Get your garden hose out.
Insert hose into radiator fill opening.
Start engine.
Start hose, enough to let the water overflow out the top.
When the thermostat opens, fresh water will continually be added to the A/F mix overflowing out the tope.
Eventually, the water overflowing will be clean.
Drain the water out of the radiator with the petcock.
Add 1/2 the coolant capacity of A/F into the radiator.
Add water to fill the radiator.
Start engine.
Let it run until thermostat opens.
Add more water if needed.
A flushing additive is only needed if you think the coolant system is contaminated with oil or rust imo.
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- So, how exactly do I open the thermostat and keep the engine cold?
( The only way is to remove it)
There are a number of radiator cleaning/flushing products on the market that I've never seen mentioned being used
- Is it a good idea to use something like a Preston radiator flush?
(only if oil or rust are in the coolant system)
- Would a product like that do any damage to the radiator (or anything else inside it comes in contact with)?
(shouldn't hurt the car if instructions are followed. Will kill you grass)
I've read several posts with respect to bleeding and problems getting rid of the air pockets.
- Is there one proper way to fill the radiator so as to minimize air pockets?
(I don't think so. Anyone else??)
- Do I need to open bleeder valves? If so, where are they (a picture would really help)?
- Is it true that ramping up the engine a few times would get the air out?
(Yes)
- When filling up to Full Cold, do I keep the reservoir cap off while the engine is running?
(Sure, It won't hurt anything)
Hmmm... Can I use the surge tank as the radiator fill opening or do I have to remove the panel and get to the radiator itself (I am not quite sure how to do this though)
What to do if there is no open water source i.e. the garden hose in the vicinity of my apartment building?
Thanks for all the replies, btw
Ah yes, the apartment building parking lot lol. Been there done that
The easiest is to open up the drain plug on the bottom of the rad, pull out the thermo and just keep pouring in fresh water ( I used empty jugs of any sort ) until it looks clean. Then close the drain and with the car running, put in the proper mix of coolant ( I always pre mixed ahead of time ) until its full and there is no air in the system. And then put the thermo back in and all should be good.
you snooze you lose!
keep working, millions on welfare depend on you!
