How Would I Go On Flushing My Coolant System?

[r_i_d_a_h]

i have a 1997 VS commodore with an ECO-tec V6 engine

i just wanna know what would be the best way on draining, flushing and refilling the coolant system, in step by step form..or can you direct me to some links that will exactly show me how to.

AND is it best to remove the radiator and, hose it down to get the dead bugz traped between the fins? if so how do i go on removing it?

[barracuda]

Your best bet is to find a garage with a power flush machine, it fits into the top radiator hose and flushes the old coolant out while pumping new clean coolant in. Advantage with this is it flushes the heater core, and as the engine is running at opperating temp it flushes the by-pass and right through the system as the thermostat opens. (This also checks thermostat opperation, if it's faulty replace it) You might have to fork out for an hours labour and four liters of new coolant, but thats by far the best way. If it's really dirty or rusty, add a can of radiator flush a few days before you get it flushed to help loosen everything up.

If your'e keen to do it yourself, drop the lower radiator hose, and remove the thermostat housing and thermostat (best replace it while it's out) and also disconnect the heater hose. Then you can flush the radiator (flush both directions) and the engine (again, flush both ways) and the heater (both ways). When the water runs clean, fit up the thermostat and housing and reconnect the heater hoses and bottom radiator hose, and add coolant and clean water.

Also, make sure you flush all the muck out of the overflow bottle, as this usually collects lots of small particles, which will end up going back into your clean cooling system. Best to remove it and rattle some small nuts and bolts or similar around the bottom of it to loosen any stubborn lumps of crud.

Flushing the bugs out of the radiator fins; you can leave the radiator in, just use the hose (not too much pressure) from the back of the radiator to blast them out the front. Also compressed air can be used, but you need to be carefull not to damage the fins.

Good luck.

[wangster123]

check this: How To Flush A V6 Cooling System

wangster

[Michelson4301]

Holden state in the manual to remove both knock sensors. I think these take the place of engine block drain bungs. Nice 2 birds with 1 stone Holden

[simmo 76]

What do mechanics charge to flush your radiator?

[shaggerz]

Go to a radiator place rather than a general mechanic. I asked one down the road from me and they said less than $100 for a flush and refill.

[ChRiDDa]

why not do it yourself? If your handy with the tools, its one of the easiest jobs to do!
Dads VS is almost due for another flush, so ill be taking some new photos, along with rewriting that thread due to a few amendments that have to be made