Draining, Filling and Bleeding Cooling System

Cooling System Draining, Filling and Bleeding





Special Tool(s)

Draining

WARNING: Never remove the pressure relief cap while the engine is operating or when the cooling system is hot. Failure to follow these instructions can result in damage to the cooling system or engine or personal injury. To avoid having scalding hot coolant or steam blow out of the degas bottle when removing the pressure relief cap, wait until the engine has cooled, then wrap a thick cloth around the pressure relief cap and turn it slowly. Step back while the pressure is released from the cooling system. When you are sure all the pressure has been released, turn and remove the pressure relief cap (still with a cloth).

CAUTION: Always fill the cooling system with the same coolant that is present in the system. Do not mix coolant types.

CAUTION: The coolant must be recovered in a suitable, clean container for reuse. If the coolant is contaminated it must be recycled or disposed of correctly.

NOTE: Less than 80% of coolant capacity can be recovered with the engine in the vehicle. Dirty, rusty or contaminated coolant requires replacement.

1. Release the pressure in the cooling system.
1. Make sure the engine is cool.
2. Wrap a thick cloth around the coolant pressure relief cap on the degas bottle. Slowly turn the cap counterclockwise (left) until the pressure begins to release.
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
4. When you are sure all the pressure has been released, use the cloth to turn and remove the cap.
2. Place a suitable container below the radiator draincock.
3. Open the radiator draincock. Remove the cylinder block drain plug, if equipped, and drain the coolant from the cylinder block into a suitable container.
4. When the coolant is drained, make sure drain plugs are installed and tight.
5. Close the radiator draincock when finished.

Filling and Bleeding with RADKITPLUS
1. Using the special tool, install the RADKITPLUS and follow the RADKITPLUS manufacturer's instructions to fill and bleed the cooling system.

Filling without RADKITPLUS

1. CAUTION: Always fill the cooling system with the same coolant that is present in the system. Do not mix coolant types.

Add the correct engine coolant mixture to the degas bottle.
2. Move the temperature blend selector to the full warm position.
3. Run the engine until it reaches operating temperature.
4. Add the correct engine coolant mixture to the degas bottle until the coolant level is between the "COOLANT FILL LEVEL" marks.
5. Turn off the engine and allow the cooling system to cool.
6. Repeat Steps 1 through 5 until the degas bottle level is OK.

Bleeding without RADKITPLUS
1. Select the maximum heater temperature and medium low blower motor speed settings. Position the control to discharge air at the panel vents in the instrument panel.
2. Start the engine and allow to idle. While the engine is idling, feel for hot air at the panel vents.

3. CAUTION: If air discharge remains cool and engine coolant temperature gauge does not move, engine coolant level is low in engine and must be filled. Stop engine, allow to cool and fill cooling system.

Start engine and allow to idle until normal operating temperature is reached. Hot air should discharge from the panel vents. The engine coolant temperature gauge should maintain a stabilized reading in the middle of the NORMAL range and the upper radiator hose should feel hot to the touch.
4. Shut the engine off and allow to cool.
5. Check the engine for coolant leaks.
6. Check the engine coolant level in degas bottle and fill as necessary.