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 under pressure.
- Place a pan below the vehicle to catch the draining coolant.
- Remove the surge tank cap.
- Unplug the drain cock.WARNING: Dispose of the used coolant to a used coolant holding tank to be picked up with the used oil for disposal. Never pour the used coolant down the drain. Ethylene glycol antifreeze is an extremely toxic chemical. Disposing of it into the sewer system or the ground water can contaminate the local environment.
- Catch the escaping fluid in a drain pan.
- Remove all sludge and dirt from inside the surge tank. Refer to Surge Tank Removal .
- 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.CAUTION: Never use an antifreeze mixture more concentrated than 60% antifreeze to 40% water. The solution freezing point increases above this concentration.CAUTION: Do not mix different types of antifreeze or corrosion inhibitors, as they may be incompatible. If a different type has been used in the cooling system, flush the system with clean water.
- 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.