Cooling System Draining and Filling (Static Fill)

Cooling System Draining and Filling (L26 Static Fill)

Draining Procedure

Tools Required

J 26568 Coolant and Battery Fluid Tester

Caution: To avoid being burned, do not remove the radiator cap or surge tank cap while the engine is hot. The cooling system will release scalding fluid and steam under pressure if radiator cap or surge tank cap is removed while the engine and radiator are still hot.

Important: Draining the cooling system with the pressure cap installed will syphon the coolant from the overflow tank.


1. Remove the coolant pressure cap.
2. Place a drain pan under the drain cock.
3. Open the radiator drain cock.
4. Drain the cooling system.
5. If a complete engine block drain is required, remove the knock sensors. Refer to Knock Sensor 1 Replacement (Service and Repair) and Knock Sensor 2 Replacement (Service and Repair).
6. Inspect the coolant.
7. Follow the appropriate procedure based on the condition of the coolant.

* Normal in appearance-Follow the filling procedure.
* Discolored-Follow the flush procedure. Refer to Flushing (Service and Repair).

Filling Procedure

Notice: The procedure below must be followed. Improper coolant level could result in a low or high coolant level condition, causing engine damage.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice.

1. Close the radiator drain cock.
2. If the engine block was drained, install the knock sensors. Refer to Knock Sensor 1 Replacement (Service and Repair) and Knock Sensor 2 Replacement (Service and Repair).
3. Open the cooling system bleeder screw.

Important: Use a 50/50 mixture of DEX-COOL antifreeze and clean, drinkable water.


4. Slowly fill the cooling system with a 50/50 coolant mixture. Refer to Approximate Fluid Capacities (Capacity Specifications).
5. After the coolant is visible and stable at the filler neck, push down on the upper radiator hose to remove air. While pushing down on the radiator hose ensure that the filler neck is full of coolant.
6. Close the cooling system bleeder screw.
7. Release the upper radiator hose and add coolant to the filler neck.
8. Push down on the upper radiator hose and try to move any air in the upper hose back to the radiator. Repeat this step three times and add coolant to the filler neck each time.
9. Install the coolant pressure cap.
10. Fill the coolant recovery bottle to the indicator line, then add 400 milliliters (13.5 ounces) more.
11. Start the engine.
12. Run the engine at 2,500 RPM until the engine is hot enough to open the thermostat.
13. Allow the engine to idle for 3 minutes.
14. Shut the engine OFF.
15. Allow the engine to cool.
16. Top off the coolant as necessary.
17. Inspect the concentration of the engine coolant using the J 26568.
18. Rinse away any excess coolant from the engine and the engine compartment.