Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Flushing




Flushing

Note: Do not use a chemical flush.

Store used coolant in the proper manner, such as in a used engine coolant holding tank. Do not pour used coolant down a drain. Ethylene glycol antifreeze is a very toxic chemical. Do not dispose of coolant into the sewer system or ground water. This is illegal and ecologically unsound.

Various methods and equipment can be used to flush the cooling system. If special equipment is used, such as a back flusher, follow the manufacturer's instruction. Always remove the thermostat before flushing the cooling system.

When the cooling system becomes contaminated, the cooling system should be flushed thoroughly to remove the contaminants before the engine is seriously damaged.

1. Drain the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling (GE 47716) (Cooling System Draining and Filling (GE 47716))Cooling System Draining and Filling (Static Fill) (Cooling System Draining and Filling (Static Fill)).
2. Remove the radiator surge tank. Refer to Radiator Surge Tank Replacement (Radiator Surge Tank Replacement).
3. Clean and flush the radiator surge tank with clean, drinkable water.
4. Install the radiator surge tank. Refer to Radiator Surge Tank Replacement (Radiator Surge Tank Replacement).
5. Follow the drain and fill procedure using only clean, drinkable water. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling (GE 47716) (Cooling System Draining and Filling (GE 47716))Cooling System Draining and Filling (Static Fill) (Cooling System Draining and Filling (Static Fill)).
6. Run the engine for 20 minutes.
7. Stop the engine.
8. Drain the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling (GE 47716) (Cooling System Draining and Filling (GE 47716))Cooling System Draining and Filling (Static Fill) (Cooling System Draining and Filling (Static Fill))
9. Repeat the procedure if necessary, until the fluid is nearly colorless.
10. Fill the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling (GE 47716) (Cooling System Draining and Filling (GE 47716))Cooling System Draining and Filling (Static Fill) (Cooling System Draining and Filling (Static Fill)).