help! how to bleed coolant system / flush radiator

[VTSSLS1]

Hi all,

Am looking at flushing my radiator (V8) tomorrow, looks like it's still the original stuff in there. Wondering how I go about it in regards to bleeding the air out? And how do I flush/empty the reservoir, do I need to remove it, or will it drain along with the radiator?

So far my understanding is thus:

-remove drain plug, leaving top cap on (what does this do?), drain radiator. Is it worth removing the bottom hose aswell? or will the engine coolant drain out through the radiator?
-fill radiator with plain water and/or flushing agent (with drain plug back in), run engine up to temp, drain system again.
-fill radiator and run engine with rad cap off, watching level and topping up, to operating temp, drive car and check level again.

Does this sound right? Will this be sufficient to bleed the air from the system?

Thanks.

 

[VTSSLS1]

Surely someone has done their own coolant change? Anybody?

 

[Big-Al]

Reckon the search function will help you out mate. This has ben done to death.

 

[Sean880]

Here are a couple of threads I bookmarked a while ago. May answer some of your questions.

http://forums.justcommodores.com.au/ve-holden-commodore-2006/184873-change-water-radiator.html
http://forums.justcommodores.com.au/ve-holden-commodore-2006/175996-ve-coolant-question.html

 

['ssv']

Good info in the links... Run with the cap off till the thermos kick on/thermostat opens and fill all the way.
Check the next morning/ once cool and top off if necessary.
Glycol should read approx 37.6% ( don't quote me on the percentage of glycol may have changed for newer models) the right amount of coolant and demoralised water is important for rusting of water pump impeller and to avoid electrolysis/rust like corrosion.

 

[RiCeY]

Ive found with the V8s its best to fill with the engine off till it wont take anymore. This takes a while as the level slowly drops but avoids air lock hassles. Just keep drip feeding it till the level wont drop any more over 5 mins. Then start her up and top up as necessary.

 

[kwaka738]

... the right amount of coolant and demoralised water is important for rusting of water pump impeller and to avoid electrolysis/rust like corrosion.

That would be demineralised water. You can get it at Bunnings.

 

[Pickled]

That would be demineralised water. You can get it at Bunnings.

Maybe he wants water that doesn't have morals?

 

[RiCeY]

hahaha Id be demoralized if I was stuck in someones radiator for 5 years.

 

['ssv']

Hahaha stupid auto correction on my phone...