Cooling System: Service and Repair
Draining and Filling Cooling System (LD8)^ Tools Required
- J 26568 Coolant and Battery Tester
Draining Procedure
Caution: 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
1. Remove the front air deflector.
2. Place a drain pan under the drain cock.
3. Open the radiator drain cock.
4. Drain the cooling system.
5. Remove the surge tank.
5.1. Clean the outside of the surge tank.
5.2. Pour out any fluid.
5.3. Thoroughly clean the inside of the surge tank using soap and water.
5.4. Thoroughly flush the surge tank with clean water and drain.
6. Install the surge tank.
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.
Filling Procedure
Notice: The procedure below must be followed. Improper coolant level could result in a low or high coolant level condition, causing engine damage.
1. Close the radiator drain cock.
2. Install the front air deflector.
Important: Use a 50/50 mixture of DEX-COOL antifreeze and clean, drinkable water.
3. Slowly fill the cooling system with a 50/50 coolant mixture.
4. Install the coolant pressure cap.
5. Start the engine.
6. Run the engine at 2,000-2,500 RPM until the engine reaches normal operating temperature.
7. Allow the engine to idle for 3 minutes.
8. Shut the engine OFF.
9. Allow the engine to cool.
10. Top off the coolant as necessary,
11. Inspect the concentration of the engine coolant. Using the J26568.
12. Rinse away any excess coolant from the engine and the engine compartment.
Flushing
Important: Do NOT add any engine coolant supplement sealant pellets to the cooling system.
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface.
2. Remove and clean (flush) the coolant recovery reservoir.
3. Flush the engine cooling system. Follow the flushing equipment manufacturer's instructions.
4. Install the coolant recovery reservoir.
5. Fill the cooling system.
Radiator Cleaning
Caution: NEVER spray water on a hot radiator. The resulting steam could cause personal injury.
Notice: The radiator fins are necessary for good heat transfer. Do not brush the fins. This may cause damage to the fins, reducing heat transfer.
Important: Remove bugs, leaves, dirt and other debris by blowing compressed air through the engine side of the radiator.
^ Some conditions may require the use of warm water and a mild detergent.
^ Clean the A/C condenser fins.
^ Clean between the A/C condenser and radiator.
^ Clean the radiator cooling fins.
^ Straighten any damaged cooling fins.