Cooling System: Service and Repair

NOTE: Ethylene Glycol/Water fill ratios have been established to ensure a minimum of 50 percent Ethylene Glycol in the coolant mixture following the recommended coolant flush, and drain procedure, and that all engine block drains and air bleeds were utilized.

Capacity
The cooling system capacity is 21.8 liters (23 quarts).

Quantity And Fill Ratio
The quantities listed in the filling procedure include the additional quantity to displace the air remaining in the coolant system after a static refill.





Using the correct fill ratio and the following procedures will ensure a minimum concentration of 50 percent Ethylene Glycol in the coolant system and simplify the customer fill task. Refer to the image for static fill radiator capacities.
Every five years or 166 000 km (100,000 miles) whichever first occurs, the cooling system should be drained, and filled using the following recommended procedures.

CAUTION: When adding coolant, It Is important that you use GM Goodwrench DEX-COOL (tm) coolant. If coolant other than DEX-COOL (tm) is added to the system the coolant will require change sooner at 50,000 km (70,000 miles} or 24 morays.

Draining The Cooling System:
1. Place a drain pan under the radiator drain cock.
2. Place the end of the tube in the pail or pan.

WARNING: The radiator cap should be removed from a cool engine only. If the radiator cap is removed from a hot cooling system, serious personal injury may result.

3. Make sure the cooling system is cool. Then remove the radiator cap.
4. Open the drain cock completely.
5. Let the cooling system drain until the flow stops.
6. Place a drain pan under the engine.
7. Remove the drain plug from the engine block.
8. Let the engine block drain until the flow stops. There may be some more drainage from the radiator at this time.
9. Replace the engine block drain plug.
10. Close the radiator drain cock.

Refilling The Cooling System

CAUTION: Two sealant pellets GMSPO P/W 36346n must be added to the radiator whenever the coolant system Is drained and refilled win fresh coolant. Failure to use the correct sealant pellets may result In premature coolant pump leakage. Do not add the pellets to the coolant recovery bottle since this may prevent the coolant system from operating properly.

1. Check the radiator drain cock to be sure that it is closed.
2. Check the engine drain plug to be sure that it is tight.
3. Premix the antifreeze with clear water (distilled water preferred) on a 50/55 ratio.
^ If the old coolant is being used, check it for 50/50 glycol/water mix and make sure that it is clean and clear.
4. Place a large top funnel in the radiator fill hole.
5. Slowly pour in the coolant. The filling may be slowed because of the thermostat being closed.
6. After the cooling system is filled to 13 mm (1/2 inch) below the fill hole, start the engine and let the cooling system warm up. When the thermostat opens, the coolant level may drop. If the level drops, add coolant until the level is up to fill the hole.
7. Replace the radiator cap.
8. Check the coolant level in the recovery reservoir. Add coolant if needed.