Cooling System Draining and Filling (Static Fill)

Cooling System Draining and Filling (Static Fill)

Special Tools

GE-26568 - Coolant and Battery Fluid Tester

For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools Tools and Equipment

Draining Procedure

Warning

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.





1. Unscrew the surge tank cap to remove vacuum when draining coolant.

2. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle Service and Repair.

3. Place a container under the radiator drain.

4. Unscrew the radiator drain plug (1) until coolant flows out the radiator drain.

5. 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 Coolant System Flushing Coolant System Flushing.

Fill Procedure

1. Close the radiator drain plug.

2. Lower the vehicle.

3. Vehicle should be level.





4. Loosen the vent screw (1) on the radiator.

Note:
Close vent screw when coolant begins to flow from the vent screw.





5. Add a mixture of 50/50 DEX-COOL(R) antifreeze and clean drinkable water to the bottom line of the bleed nozzle on the coolant surge tank (1).

When the coolant level stabilizes, add enough coolant to reach the bottom line of the down pipe hole (black arrow).

6. Start the Engine. After the engine starts, verify that the coolant level reaches the bottom line of the down pipe hole (black arrow).

7. Install the surge tank cap.

8. Warm up the engine.

Run at 2,500 RPM until the engine cooling fan turns ON.

Note:
If the heater core has been replaced, let the engine run for 2 minutes at 2.000-2.500 RPM. This ensures complete venting of the cooling system.

9. Turn the engine OFF and allow the engine to cool down.

10. Remove the surge tank cap.





11. Check the coolant level and fill to the "COLD" mark if necessary (1).

Note:
After a test drive let the engine cool down and check the coolant level again. Adjust the coolant level to the "COLD" mark if necessary.

12. Inspect the concentration of the engine coolant, using GE-26568 - tester.

13. Install the surge tank cap.

14. Rinse away any excess coolant from the engine and the engine compartment.