Cooling System Draining and Filling (Static Fill)

Cooling System Draining and Filling (Static Fill)

Draining Procedure

Special Tools

J 26568 - Coolant and Battery Tester

Warning

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.

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

1. Place a drain pan under the radiator hose.

2. Remove the radiator outlet hose from the engine. Refer to Radiator Outlet Hose Replacement Radiator Outlet Hose Replacement.

3. Move down the end of the radiator hose to drain the radiator.

4. Drain the cooling system.

5. Remove the coolant pressure cap.

6. If a complete engine block drain is required, remove the engine drain plugs.

7. Inspect the coolant.

8. 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 Flushing.

Filling Procedure

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

1. Install the radiator outlet hose to the engine. Refer to Radiator Outlet Hose Replacement Radiator Outlet Hose Replacement.

Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution Fastener Caution.

2. If the engine block drain plug was removed, perform the following:

1. Apply pipe sealer to the drain plugs.

2. Install the drain plugs.

Tighten the drain plug to 22 Nm (16 lb ft).

3. Lower the vehicle.

Note: 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 [1][2]Maintenance.

5. Install the coolant pressure cap.

6. Start the engine.

7. Run the engine at 2,000-2,500 RPM until the engine reaches normal operating temperature.

8. Allow the engine to idle for 3 minutes.

9. Shut the engine OFF.

10. Allow the engine to cool.

11. Top off the coolant as necessary.

12. Inspect the concentration of the engine coolant, using the J 26568 - coolant and battery tester.

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