Draining and Filling Cooling Systems
Draining and Filling Cooling SystemDrain and Fill Procedure
Caution: 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
Notice: The procedure below must be followed. Improper coolant level could result in a low or high coolant level condition, causing engine damage.
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface.
2. Follow the steps below in order to remove the surge tank fill cap:
2.1. Slowly rotate the cap counterclockwise.
2.2. Stop rotating and allow the hissing to stop.
2.3. After all hissing stops, continue turning counterclockwise in order to remove the cap.
3. Open the radiator drain cock.
4. Allow the system to drain completely.
5. Inspect the engine coolant for the following:
- Discolored - follow the flush procedure below.
- Normal in appearance - continue with the next step.
Notice: When adding coolant, use DEX-COOL coolant. If silicated coolant is added to the system, premature engine, heater core or radiator corrosion may result. In addition, the engine coolant will require change sooner-at 50.000 km (30,000 miles) or 24 months.
Notice: DO NOT use cooling system seal tabs, or similar compounds, unless otherwise instructed. The use of cooling system seal tabs, or similar compounds, may restrict coolant flow through the passages of the cooling system or the engine components. Restricted coolant flow may cause engine overheating and/or damage to the cooling system or the engine components/assembly.
6. Close the radiator drain cock.
7. Fill the system through the surge tank opening.
8. Pre-mix a 50 to 60 percent solution of DEX-COOL- and clean, drinkable water.
9. Slowly add the pre-mixed solution to the surge tank until the level is slightly above the COLD FILL mark.
10. Start the engine.
11. Idle the engine for 1 minute.
12. Loosely install the surge tank cap. DO NOT allow the system to build up pressure.
13. Cycle the engine from idle to 3,000 RPM in 30 second intervals until the engine coolant reaches 99°C 121°F) and the thermostat opens.
14. Shut off the engine.
15. Refer to step 2 in order to remove the surge tank cap.
16. Start the engine.
17. Idle the engine for 1 minute. Fill the surge tank to 12.7 mm (1/2 inch) above the COLD FILL mark on the surge tank.
18. Install the radiator surge tank cap.
19. Cycle the engine from idle to 3,000 RPM in 30 second intervals until the engine coolant reaches 99°C (210°F) and the thermostat opens.
20. Shut off the engine.
21. Top off the coolant, as necessary, to 12.7 mm (1/2 inch) above the COLD FILL mark on the surge tank.
22. Rinse away any excess coolant from the engine and the engine compartment.
23. Inspect the concentration of the coolant.
Engine Block Draining
1. Drain the cooling system.
2. If equipped with the 4.8L, 5.3L or 6.0L engine, remove the left and right engine block coolant drain plugs.
3. If equipped with the 8.1 L engine, remove the left and right engine block coolant drain plugs
4. Remove the engine block coolant heater, if equipped.
5. Allow the engine block to drain completely.
6. Apply sealant GM P/N 12346004 (Canadian P/N 10953480) or equivalent to the drain plugs.
Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.
Fastener Notice
7. Re-install the engine block coolant drain plugs.
- Tighten the 4.8L. 5.3L or 6.0L engine block coolant drain plug to 60 Nm (44 ft. lbs.).
- Tighten the 8.1 L engine block coolant drain plug to 60 Nm (44 ft. lbs.).
8. Install the engine block coolant heater, if equipped.
9. Fill the cooling system.