Flushing cooling system, 89 wagon

[Blt2Lst]

Is it necessary to remove the drain plugs on the side of the engine block when draining and flushing the cooling system on my 89 wagon with a 307 vin y olds engine.
The factory service manual recommends this but they are a SOB to get to.
I realize that by not draining out the engine completely, your new 50/50 mix will get diluted some.
How would be the best way to flush this system ?

Thanks for your help

Al

[CD Smalley]

Absolutely required.... No. Recommended on that old of a car. You bet. I had to replace a freeze plug because my 89 had never had such a flush. There was so much sludge behind the freeze plug it rusted/corroded through.

If you think getting those little plugs out is a pain. Try removing and replacing a freeze plug on you back in the driveway.

[PeteA216]

If you get it professionally flushed they use a pump to flush out any old antifreeze and use chemicals to help rid the coolant system and engine block of corrosion buildup.

[Blt2Lst]

Thanks for the input.
I think I will have it professionally (machine) done this time.
I live near the beach in so cal and all the storm drains run into the ocean. If i pop the plugs to drain, it will be hard to capture all the draining coolant.
Just trying to be an environmentally safe mechanic.
Also i do not think this car has had a thorough flushing, I am sure it could use one.

Thanks

Al

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by Blt2Lst

Thanks for the input.
I think I will have it professionally (machine) done this time.
I live near the beach in so cal and all the storm drains run into the ocean. If i pop the plugs to drain, it will be hard to capture all the draining coolant.
Just trying to be an environmentally safe mechanic.
Also i do not think this car has had a thorough flushing, I am sure it could use one.

Thanks

Al

this is my favarite engine,,,the engine that never could die....i had 307 olds for 17 years 380,000 mi...and it is the most reliable engine i've ever owned ....very good to me ....


the drain plugs must be removed.....when i removed mine casting sand was blocking the drain hole nothing was comming out... put #2 phillips screw driver in hole and all the sand came out....as well as the coolant..use a trash barrel lid to capture coolant,and some newspapers....and if extra cautious sheet plastic under it all......

my engine never got sludged used distilled water with silicone prestone antifreeze every 2years....i always drained entire system.... i don't recommend flushing system at the repair shop....this took 4gallons of coolant on my engine i had a 3 core hd radiator....always used 2.5gallons of coolant and always back flushed heater core... also thermostat ever 4 years..use 14psi radiator cap... 16psi is too high pressure...


never overheated and the engine never needed any work used 1/3 qt of oil 3500mi at oil change a/c filters had emissions tested in 2000 when i sold car had 14ppm hydrocarbon reading...1983-2000


good luck..

[Blt2Lst]

Originally Posted by PeteA216

If you get it professionally flushed they use a pump to flush out any old antifreeze and use chemicals to help rid the coolant system and engine block of corrosion buildup.

Do you think a pro flush will remove all the sediment from the block without removing drain plugs?

I have never had a car pro flushed before so i am not really sure about the procedure involved.

Thanks

Al

[Blt2Lst]

I called a few of the quick oil change places to get a few quotes on flushing the cooling sysyem. Prices ranged from $49 - $69.
After speaking with these folks, it seems it's nothing more than a drain and refill with fresh coolant.
Perhaps full service shops would do a proper flush but i'm sure it would cost more.
I think i will do it myself again, and that way i will know what has been done and if i screw up, guess who i can blame..

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by Blt2Lst

I called a few of the quick oil change places to get a few quotes on flushing the cooling sysyem. Prices ranged from $49 - $69.
After speaking with these folks, it seems it's nothing more than a drain and refill with fresh coolant.
Perhaps full service shops would do a proper flush but i'm sure it would cost more.
I think i will do it myself again, and that way i will know what has been done and if i screw up, guess who i can blame..

when you replace the coolant the engine need not be running, and i never run the engine as i don't want to damage water pump etc....


with both block drain plugs removed and thermostat out i would simple run hose into the thermostat hole and let the water run out the block drain plugs...this is the safest and most complete way to do it....


when installing drain plugs use pipe thread sealant on threads this will aid in removal and sealing ....

[Blt2Lst]

Originally Posted by j cAT

when you replace the coolant the engine need not be running, and i never run the engine as i don't want to damage water pump etc....


with both block drain plugs removed and thermostat out i would simple run hose into the thermostat hole and let the water run out the block drain plugs...this is the safest and most complete way to do it....


when installing drain plugs use pipe thread sealant on threads this will aid in removal and sealing ....

Sounds like the way to go..
Thanks

Al