Radiator Flush

[Laser17]

I've never had the radiator flushed in my intrigue since i bought it 1 year ago, and i don't know when it was done before that. I'm living in florida now and since then have had my transmission go. The mechanic rebuilding my transmission suggested that i get the coolant changed. Is there any risks involved in doing this IE broken seals, leaking etc

[Jimmy Olsen]

Originally Posted by Laser17

I've never had the radiator flushed in my intrigue since i bought it 1 year ago, and i don't know when it was done before that. I'm living in florida now and since then have had my transmission go. The mechanic rebuilding my transmission suggested that i get the coolant changed. Is there any risks involved in doing this IE broken seals, leaking etc

You should have your radiator flushed by a GM dealer using the BG machine and chemicals. The 3.5L engine is made from aluminum and it will develop scale over time which could lead to problems down the road. I had mine done at 5 1/2 years, about 72k miles.. As for problems, I didn't have any.

Heat is the biggest enemy of auto trannies.

[Laser17]

I forgot to mention i have the 3.8, any idea's how much a radiator flush at the dealership costs

[Jimmy Olsen]

Originally Posted by Laser17

I forgot to mention i have the 3.8, any idea's how much a radiator flush at the dealership costs

Well, If I had the 3.8 I would back flush it myself without using any chemicals. I have done several times on many different vehicles over the years. K-mart, target or wal-mart or auto zone etc sell a kit that allows you to add a hose connectin to heater hose that runs to the water pump. What I do is start draining the radiator (the radiator cap is removed), start the engine, and then turn on the hose. The engine has to get hot for the thermostat to open so you may want to get the engine to operating temperature. Anyway, the kit has all the instructions on it. On my 1995 Dodge Ram 1500 I back flush every 5 years and refill with that orange 5 year coolant.

The dealership flush was $125.