Cooling System - Draining and Filling

DRAINING COOLING SYSTEM

WARNING: DO NOT remove the cylinder block drain plugs or loosen the radiator draincock with the system hot and under pressure. Serious burns from coolant can occur.

NOTE: DO NOT WASTE reusable coolant. If the solution is clean, drain the coolant into a clean container for reuse.

1. Remove radiator pressure cap.
2. For access to radiator draincock, remove radiator grill mounting screws and remove grill.
3. Attach one end of a 24 inch long X 1/4 inch ID hose to the radiator draincock. Put the other end into a clean container. Open draincock and drain coolant from radiator.

Fig. 19 Draining Coolant - 4.0L 6-Cylinder Engine:

4. Drain coolant from engine by removing the drain plug and coolant temperature sensor on left side of block.

REFILLING COOLING SYSTEM
1. Remove draining hose. Tighten the radiator draincock and the cylinder block drain plug(s).
2. Fill system using a 50/50 mixture of water and antifreeze. Fill the radiator to the top and install the radiator cap. Add sufficient coolant to the reserve/overflow tank to raise the level to the FULL mark.
3. Operate the engine with both the radiator cap and reserve/overflow tank cap in place. After the engine has reached the normal operating temperature, shut the engine off and allow it to cool.
4. Add coolant to the reserve/overflow tank as necessary Only add coolant when the engine is cold. Coolant level in a warm engine will be higher due to thermal expansion.