dummies guide to coolant flushing

[georgeM400]

Hi guys,

Can someone please post a step-by-step guide on flushing and replenishing the coolant system.

thanks
George

[peterguk]

Here's how i've done it several times:

Drain fluid by removing the hose front n/s, behind the wheel. Remove cap in reservoir or else you'll create a vacuum.

Refill, and by taking your time, much of the air will bubble up through the system. The bleed hose is the 10mm diameter hose at the top n/s of the radiator. Pull this hose off, and you'll hear a rush of air as the radiator fills up with coolant.

Replace hose and top up.

Start engine. Switch heater to hot, allow to warm up. As the level in the reservoir drops, keep topping up to max line. Ensure no air locks by feeling all the hoses and warm air coming out of vents.

[georgeM400]

thanks Peter

[elenitro]

might be missing the obvious but the pipe you need to remove to drain the coolant is the rubber pipe into the bottom of the radiator on the passenger side?

I've got a dribble from the pipe at the top of the radiator on the drivers side so if there is an easy way to just part drain the coolant so i can disconnect that pipe and reseal it i'd be grateful if someone can let me know.

Cheers,

Leon

[Jim O.]

elenitro said:

I've got a dribble from the pipe at the top of the radiator on the drivers side so if there is an easy way to just part drain the coolant so i can disconnect that pipe and reseal it i'd be grateful if someone can let me know.

It might be a little messy, but why not just remove the hose on the top pipe? Coolant will spill out, but only until the level drops below the top pipe. Then, you can do your repair, put it back together, and refill the system.

Jim

[Howitzer]

Refit your rubber hoses by liberally spraying the connection pipe with cheap hairspray, it slides on easily and then helps to seal it.

Dave!

[NobleGuy]

Yes, mine has been the same recently.
It might just be you need to tighten the clamp a little as a number of them on mine stopped seeping when tightened.

If you remove the drivers side hose at the rad top you won't lose much coolant.

[MadMacMcMad]

Just replaced my hoses on an 03 GTO3. The pipes were not leaking, but when removed were very brittle.
Worth replacing if not already done with decent silicon ones. Just in case.
Don't want this to go pop when your miles from home.