Need DIY Cooling system flush

Hi everyone,

Does anyone have a step by step DIY info on how to flush the cooling system on a 6th gen accord 4cyl 2.3L. Also,do I need to do a complete flush including the engine block or is it ok to just drain, flush and fill the radiator? I've read some other forums on civcs, don't know if its the same procedure, and there seems to be different opinions on how its done. So I wanna know whats the right way and or best and easiest way to do it. I've never done it before so I need step by step instructions. Any help would be appreciated greatly. Thanks again.:)

Draining the engine block of course is the right way to do it.

I tried to do it on my 1999 LX 2.4 engine... and opened the wrong plug. Oil started pouring on me. That plug was mentioned for the 2.3 engine and I assumed that on 2.4 it was the same plug. Bid mistake! It looks like the block plug for 2.3 engine is to the left of the oil filter (if you look from the back). I have never opened that one. I was too disappointed and all covered with oil. If you decide to do it, it looks like you need 12 mm socket, while the plug I opened required 10 mm allen wrench.

I hope this helps,

Sam

Draining the engine block of course is the right way to do it.

I tried to do it on my 1999 LX 2.4 engine... and opened the wrong plug. Oil started pouring on me. That plug was mentioned for the 2.3 engine and I assumed that on 2.4 it was the same plug. Bid mistake! It looks like the block plug for 2.3 engine is to the left of the oil filter (if you look from the back). I have never opened that one. I was too disappointed and all covered with oil. If you decide to do it, it looks like you need 12 mm socket, while the plug I opened required 10 mm allen wrench.

I hope this helps,

Sam






Thanks for the reply Sam but I need some detailed step by step instructions as I've never done this before.

Thanks for the reply Sam but I need some detailed step by step instructions as I've never done this before.
Set heater on "hot"

Open radiator cap

Drain radiator

Drain engine block.

When refilling:

Open bleeder screw 1-2 turns. The bleeder screw is located on the thermostat housing. Add coolant SLOWLY. When the coolant starts flowing freely, close the screw and continue adding antifreeze. Squeeze radiator hoses to expel air .

Clean and refill the expansion tank half way.

Run your engine with the radiator cap opened until the engine warms up: cooling fan will come on twice and the thermostat opens. It may take up to 50 minutes. Add more antifreeze. Reinstall radiator cap. Test drive and verify the level of coolant in the expansion tank.

DO NOT OPEN YOUR RADIATOR CAP! It is now under pressure and may injure you if opened. Use expansion tank to add antifreeze.

I hope I did not forget anything. Consult your Haynes manual for exact procedures. This manual is good for minor things.

Good luck,

Sam

Set heater on "hot"

Open radiator cap

Drain radiator

Drain engine block.

When refilling:

Open bleeder screw 1-2 turns. The bleeder screw is located on the thermostat housing. Add coolant SLOWLY. When the coolant starts flowing freely, close the screw and continue adding antifreeze. Squeeze radiator hoses to expel air .

Clean and refill the expansion tank half way.

Run your engine with the radiator cap opened until the engine warms up: cooling fan will come on twice and the thermostat opens. It may take up to 50 minutes. Add more antifreeze. Reinstall radiator cap. Test drive and verify the level of coolant in the expansion tank.

DO NOT OPEN YOUR RADIATOR CAP! It is now under pressure and may injure you if opened. Use expansion tank to add antifreeze.

I hope I did not forget anything. Consult your Haynes manual for exact procedures. This manual is good for minor things.

Good luck,

Sam




Awesome!, thanks bud for the info. Where is the drain plug for the engine block located? Also where exactly is the bleeder screw? I just checked the coolant and its below the min mark,cold engine. That normal? I also noticed that one of the rad mounts, the plastic studs, is broken off. Is that gonna affect anything? I was gonna try to glue it back or strap that side with a metal strap. Or worse come to worse just replace the rad. Anyways, thanks a bunch for the info, much appreciated. :)

Best bet.....

Go and buy a 'Chilton' or 'Hayden' Manual from the local auto parts store for your specific Year/Make/Model car...it will have detailed instruction on almost any repair you could want...they run about $20 and are a great investment...even if you don't do the repairs yourself...at least you're armed with a bit of knowledge before you head to the repair shop.

Best bet.....

Go and buy a 'Chilton' or 'Hayden' Manual from the local auto parts store for your specific Year/Make/Model car...it will have detailed instruction on almost any repair you could want...they run about $20 and are a great investment...even if you don't do the repairs yourself...at least you're armed with a bit of knowledge before you head to the repair shop.


I bought a Haynes manual for my Jeep overland and it does have some good info but it doesn't break it down step by step on certain aspects. I just finished doing a brake job on my Honda Accord which went well except I had to drill out a rotor screw which was a pain in the @#$. My first time doing a car brake job too and it was pretty easy over all if you have the right tools. I got all the info off forums so I really appreciate people out there that put out step by step instructions especially ones who add pics too. Thanks!!!