Chetzki
Well-known member
I've drained my radiator and reservoirs (at least most of the upper reservoir), but how do I get all my coolant out of the engine and the rest of the lines? I only drained out less than 2 gallons and I see my thermostat housing is still full to the brim.
Do I have to fill with water, let it heat up until the thermostat opens with the heater on while draining and running water in the upper reservoir to get a true flush, or is that too risky? Is there another way to get everything out? The sections I've drained are less than 1/2 the total coolant capacity.
Yes, this is "The Evil Red Stuff" and I'm going back with the Red Stuff. I'm not sure, but the gaskets and materials chosen that touch the coolant may have been selected assuming the additives in Dexcool would always be present. A mechanic explained that was true for my 1996 GM truck. I was willing to experiment with the truck so I switched to the green stuff after the intake manifold gasket sprung a leak (this is a common leak and rumour has it that that leak is caused by the Red Stuff). Now, about a year later, my water pump went out (age or coolant??? I wonder and the world my never know).
The good news about my car though, the fluid was clear but the lower overflow reservoir had a lot of solid deposits. When I disconnected the coolant lines to the TB, they were caked with deposits on the insides of the hose reducing the ID of the hose to about 1/2 of what it is. I'm assuming that is because the velocity through those lines are not high enough to prevent deposition. The TB is by-passed now, so I don't care.
Thanks,
Chetzki
Do I have to fill with water, let it heat up until the thermostat opens with the heater on while draining and running water in the upper reservoir to get a true flush, or is that too risky? Is there another way to get everything out? The sections I've drained are less than 1/2 the total coolant capacity.
Yes, this is "The Evil Red Stuff" and I'm going back with the Red Stuff. I'm not sure, but the gaskets and materials chosen that touch the coolant may have been selected assuming the additives in Dexcool would always be present. A mechanic explained that was true for my 1996 GM truck. I was willing to experiment with the truck so I switched to the green stuff after the intake manifold gasket sprung a leak (this is a common leak and rumour has it that that leak is caused by the Red Stuff). Now, about a year later, my water pump went out (age or coolant??? I wonder and the world my never know).
The good news about my car though, the fluid was clear but the lower overflow reservoir had a lot of solid deposits. When I disconnected the coolant lines to the TB, they were caked with deposits on the insides of the hose reducing the ID of the hose to about 1/2 of what it is. I'm assuming that is because the velocity through those lines are not high enough to prevent deposition. The TB is by-passed now, so I don't care.
Thanks,
Chetzki