Draining and Refilling the Cooling System
WARNING:
Do not remove the surge tank cap while the engine and the radiator are hot. Scalding fluid and steam may be blown out high pressure.
- Place a pan below the vehicle to catch the draining coolant.
- Remove the surge tank cap.
- Unplug the drain cock.
- Catch the escaping fluid in a drain pan.
- Remove all sludge and dirt from inside the surge tank. Refer to Surge Tank Removal and Installation .
- Plug the drain cock.
- Add the clean water to the surge tank.
- Fill the tank slowly so that the upper reservoir hose remains above the water line. This allows the air inside the cooling system to escape.
- Start the engine.
- Run the engine until the thermostat opens. You can tell the thermostat is open when both radiator hoses are hot to the touch.
- Stop the engine.
- Repeat Steps 1 through 9 until the drained water is clear and free of coolant and rust.
- Fill the cooling system through the surge tank with a mixture of ethylene glycol antifreeze and water. The mixture must be at least 50% antifreeze, but not more than 60% antifreeze.
- Fill the surge tank to the specified MAX fill mark on the outside of the tank.