Coolent Flush
sirjonas
08-04-2006, 05:23 AM
Does anybody know how to do a coolent flush on a 2002 montana? It has 130,000kms on it now and still the original coolent as far as i know. I would like to change it out but i am not sure how to go about it. thanx
1Bradymichael
08-04-2006, 08:23 PM
Does anybody know how to do a coolent flush on a 2002 montana? It has 130,000kms on it now and still the original coolent as far as i know. I would like to change it out but i am not sure how to go about it. thanx
Of course, first let the motor cool down. Once you have a catch pan under the radiator petcock(lower left, drivers side) take a 1/4 ratchet with a short extension and turn counterclockwise about a quarter turn. It is kind of goofy design, but works. Just don't force it too far. Take the radiator cap off, this helps draining a little bit.
Once you have the correct mixture of coolant fill up the radiator, then when it gets full start the engine and crack the two bleeder screws. One on the thermostat housing, the other on the standpipe on the water pump. Put the cap back on. Wait to close the screws when you don't have any more bubbles coming out. Let the motor reach operating temp, I like to drive it 5 miles or so, then crack the screws again to remove any remaining air.
Make sure not to overtighten the screws. They are brass and can be stripped or the seats can be damaged.
Make sure you have enough in the overflow tank, as my van usually takes several driving cycles to fully suck back all the coolant into the system.
Of course, first let the motor cool down. Once you have a catch pan under the radiator petcock(lower left, drivers side) take a 1/4 ratchet with a short extension and turn counterclockwise about a quarter turn. It is kind of goofy design, but works. Just don't force it too far. Take the radiator cap off, this helps draining a little bit.
Once you have the correct mixture of coolant fill up the radiator, then when it gets full start the engine and crack the two bleeder screws. One on the thermostat housing, the other on the standpipe on the water pump. Put the cap back on. Wait to close the screws when you don't have any more bubbles coming out. Let the motor reach operating temp, I like to drive it 5 miles or so, then crack the screws again to remove any remaining air.
Make sure not to overtighten the screws. They are brass and can be stripped or the seats can be damaged.
Make sure you have enough in the overflow tank, as my van usually takes several driving cycles to fully suck back all the coolant into the system.
sirjonas
08-05-2006, 10:59 AM
ok that sounds fairly easy, How does a store like canadian tire charge between 150 and 200 to do something like this?
1Bradymichael
08-05-2006, 12:51 PM
ok that sounds fairly easy, How does a store like canadian tire charge between 150 and 200 to do something like this?
OUCH:banghead:
I would do the job myself if you can. That sounds pretty steep to me. It's possible they are doing a complete flush, but the radiator method will work just fine. I imagine some of the cost is labor as it will take about an hour or so. And they probably mark the price of the coolant up a little pricewise as well.
OUCH:banghead:
I would do the job myself if you can. That sounds pretty steep to me. It's possible they are doing a complete flush, but the radiator method will work just fine. I imagine some of the cost is labor as it will take about an hour or so. And they probably mark the price of the coolant up a little pricewise as well.
sirjonas
08-06-2006, 08:51 AM
Ya that was the price for a complete flush. What is the difference for a complete flush. What do they do different?
MT-2500
08-06-2006, 10:45 AM
Ya that was the price for a complete flush. What is the difference for a complete flush. What do they do different?
Lot of difference between a rad drain and a complete flush.
Rad drain does not even get half of old coolant out of it.
But unless you are a well trained DIY find someone that can do a complete flush.
If you DIY it you will have to find someplace to dispose of your old coolant and you can run into engine bleeding air out problems.
150$ does sound a little high.
Check around or even ask the dealer. Sometimes they run specials on stuff like that.
Also a good time to check the stat and hoses and belts and rad cap.
MT
Lot of difference between a rad drain and a complete flush.
Rad drain does not even get half of old coolant out of it.
But unless you are a well trained DIY find someone that can do a complete flush.
If you DIY it you will have to find someplace to dispose of your old coolant and you can run into engine bleeding air out problems.
150$ does sound a little high.
Check around or even ask the dealer. Sometimes they run specials on stuff like that.
Also a good time to check the stat and hoses and belts and rad cap.
MT
sirjonas
08-07-2006, 09:11 AM
What else does the complete flush entail? I am a pretty good at DIY. What special tools would i need to remove the rest of the coolent?
rattler02
06-17-2007, 06:12 PM
Bump
'97ventureowner
06-18-2007, 10:41 AM
Bumping is not allowed in these forums . Please refrain from bumping and resurrecting old threads or face a temporary ban on your user privileges on this forum. Thank you.
http://img326.imageshack.us/img326/4093/threadclosedga9.gif
(http://img326.imageshack.us/img326/4093/threadclosedga9.gif)
http://img326.imageshack.us/img326/4093/threadclosedga9.gif
(http://img326.imageshack.us/img326/4093/threadclosedga9.gif)
rattler02
06-18-2007, 05:56 PM
Bump
Sorry about that:
""What else does the complete flush entail? I am a pretty good at DIY. What special tools would i need to remove the rest of the coolent? ""
Anyone know????
Sorry about that:
""What else does the complete flush entail? I am a pretty good at DIY. What special tools would i need to remove the rest of the coolent? ""
Anyone know????
MT-2500
06-18-2007, 06:10 PM
Sorry about that:
""What else does the complete flush entail? I am a pretty good at DIY. What special tools would i need to remove the rest of the coolent? ""
Anyone know????
As the moderator warned you.
And posted the closed post on the post.
This thread is old and should be dead.
When posting back to a post always check the date on the post.
If it is a old post let a sleeping dog lay or they can wake up and bite.
If you have a question or problem on your car/truck start a new thread.
MT
""What else does the complete flush entail? I am a pretty good at DIY. What special tools would i need to remove the rest of the coolent? ""
Anyone know????
As the moderator warned you.
And posted the closed post on the post.
This thread is old and should be dead.
When posting back to a post always check the date on the post.
If it is a old post let a sleeping dog lay or they can wake up and bite.
If you have a question or problem on your car/truck start a new thread.
MT
Automotive Network, Inc., Copyright ©2026