2001 grand prix flushing

[chrissbee77]

I have a 01 grand prix 3.8 with 157,xxx miles. Can someone please tell me how to flush the old dexcool out i have never flushed antifreeze and any help would be appreciate4d. PICS ALWAYS HELP. also does anybody know about adding lucas trans sealer. does this stuff work?

[grandprixgtx00]

the easiest way to drain the radiator is to remove the lower coolant hose, rather than deal with the little plastic drain plug. just drain all the old coolant, run a garden hose for a while into the radiator and let it flush out the old coolant. then fill up with new coolant. i would assume that you dont have the tool that goes on the radiator filler and burps the system itself...so you will want to fill with new coolant, let the car run to running temp, then bleed the system and get all the air pockets out.

also with your mileage...i would just replace the T-stat while you are in there since its only like a $5.00 part.

as far as adding things to your tranny for leaks...i always try to lean away from putting additives that are suppose to stop leaks. i always try to fix the leak the right way...IE find the leak and fix it. just my

[BNaylor]

Here is a basic cooling system flushing procedure using a Prestone Flush Kit and the radiator drain. The biggest issue is getting the proper mix of coolant for boilover or freeze protection back in the system since a lot of the coolant and/or water will not be drained out.

Install the flush T from the Prestone Flush Kit in the heater return line hose per the instructions on the label.

1. With engine cool, remove radiator cap and drain the radiator.
a. Turn drain plug (lower left engine-side of radiator) counter clockwise about 1/8 of a turn (may require a little force if it's not been opened in awhile--be careful because it's plastic). Use the end of a 1/4" drive handle. Plug will extend slightly as it loosens. Be sure to have a container in-place to collect the antifreeze.
2. Let all the antifreeze drain into a container.
3. Remove, drain and clean the antifreeze overflow bottle. Reinstall bottle.
4. Hook up a garden hose to the flush T and turn water on (not too high or you can damage seals/gaskets with the pressure). When water starts to run from the drain plug, start the engine and turn the heater on (make sure you leave the water running during this process).
5. When water runs clear (about 5 - 10 minutes), turn off car, then turn off water, and remove hose from T and cap it. Let remaining water run from drain plug. (Note: Not all of water will be drained out of system mainly the engine block. What I do is hook up a drain hose to the T connector, start engine and let the water pump push water out of the system. As soon as you see no water coming out turn engine off, remove drain hose and cap off T connector).
6. Close radiator drain plug and fill radiator with a 50-50 mix of extended life antifreeze/distilled water (or buy premixed).
7. Start vehicle and bring to operating temperature to make sure thermostat opens. Add additional mixture as necessary until full.
8. Reinstall radiator cap.
9. Release any trapped air in cooling system by turning the plug on the top of the thermostat housing (be careful not to burn yourself). When only coolant (no air) flows from the plug, close it. You may have to repeat this several times to get all of the trapped air. Raising the front end of the car where the radiator is higher than the engine helps bleeding.
10. Add additional coolant as necessary. Also, fill overflow bottle to recommended level. Be careful not to open radiator cap if hot. You may have to do this several times.
11. Check for leaks.
12. Properly dispose of old antifreeze.