drain and refill coolant

im planning to flush my coolant system. how do i locate the drain plug for the radiator? and what are if any special precautions i should take? its a 2001 passport with 50k miles

thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

im planning to flush my coolant system. how do i locate the drain plug for the radiator? and what are if any special precautions i should take? its a 2001 passport with 50k mile

thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The drain will be on the bottom of the rad, probably toward the engine (if it has one or not).

I always find it easier just to pop off the lower rad hose instead of fumbling with the drain.

Steve

I don't know how the 2001 is, but on my 1994 the drain plug is very hard to get to because of its location. I really can't even see mine from the top or the bottom of the vehicle. Like Steve said...its easier to just remove the lower radiator hose a lot of times. It will drain faster too....just watch out for that initial splooooooosh! When you refill it, use a 50/50 mix of coolant and water unless you live in a really cold climate, in which case you could go 60% coolant and 40% water. AS for precautions to take...well it should be obvious, but don't do this job unless the car is completely cool or you'll get burned. Since you're draining the radiator, now would be an opportune time to replace the radiator hoses if they're old. Check for cracks, pitting, swelling near the ends where they connect, etc....all these things are signs that the hoses need replacing.

http://isuzufaq.ibctech.ca/#faq66

I'm missing the link in the faq's

you guys are awesome! thanks for the quick replys

what should i use to catch the fluid?

what should i use to catch the fluid?

You can buy an anti-freeze bin from any parts dealer, or a very large bowl, a windshield fluid bucket cut in half etc, etc.

Ususally, I would use a large (very large) bowl, and when it gets near full, put the bottom rad hose back on, dump the bowl full of old AF through a funnel back into a container (washer fluid, or old AF bottle), then wash, rinse and repeat as neccisary.

Steve

I did a pretty thorough thread on how I approached the flush:

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=317539

I didn't flush based on advice it could dislodge cr*p and actully start leaks.

I didn't pull the enginge drain plug, wasn't necessary with the method I did, and I read it could be a PITA to get to.

I did six set of drains, refilling each time with distilled water (all in the thread), the first drain the fluid was very hot, I drained it using a funnel into 2.5 gallon water bottle - I was afraid it would melt through - so I out outdoor plant drain pan under the water bottle. after the first drain, I was able to drain the other 5 times directly into 1 gallon water bottles using a funnel. The six flushes cleared the radiator system very well of the old fluid, I then filled with 100% prestone, which mixed with the remaining fluid in the engine to get a 50-50 mix, which I tested with a fluid tester.

All in all, a very clean method, and good for the environment (relative to a flush using a hose). And I'm confident of the results!

Jiffy lube took my fluid for recycling for free.

Hope that helps. read the thread, lots of good info!

SOLSTER

The drain will be on the bottom of the rad, probably toward the engine (if it has one or not).

I always find it easier just to pop off the lower rad hose instead of fumbling with the drain.

Steve


This is true for first gen rodeo's, the second gen have a very convenient stop cock at the bottom of the radiator, it has a screw action that loosens to drain, do not remove, just loosen. Easy to get to - and easy to put a funnel under. Feel sorry for those 1st gens for this reason, but they have less oil consumption issues, so it's even :icon16:

SOLSTER

This is true for first gen rodeo's, the second gen have a very convenient stop cock at the bottom of the radiator, it has a screw action that loosens to drain, do not remove, just loosen. Easy to get to - and easy to put a funnel under. Feel sorry for those 1st gens for this reason, but they have less oil consumption issues, so it's even :icon16:

SOLSTER

Yep! Na-na-na boo boo!! Hehe! No oil consumption here; (knock on wood)

Yep! Na-na-na boo boo!! Hehe! No oil consumption here; (knock on wood)

LMAO :)

I'm in the same boat here too...yeah! (knocking on wood of course).

Steve

I never can reach rad drain plug front crossmember on the way.
I disconect lower rad hose, it get about 4q out.
But there is also small hose connect to heat exchanger/oil filter.
By disconecting this hose you get other 3q out. Pretty good from 9q total system.