My max has 83K on it. I took the car somewhere last September for a coolant change. I would like to do as much of the work on my car as possible myself. I never really touched the coolant system because of the drain plugs in the block. But I have read posts that state many just take out the drain plug in the radiator. I also read that a flush isn't necessarily needed if the coolant change is done annually, which is what I want to do. Is this correct? And could someone either post a quick set of directions regarding this change or point me in the right direction? I have the Haynes manual as well. Should I just follow their guidelines disregarding the drain plug removal in the block? Thanks in advance and sorry for the long post.

 

I just braught it to Nissan, 39 bucks, ya can't go wrong!

 

I don't mess with the engine block plugs. I turn the heater on high and remove the radiator plug. I then put a garden hose in the radiator filler and regulate the flow so that it keeps the radiator filled. I then start the car and run it until the water comes out clear.

 

The Haynes manual provides step by step instructions.

For those who do their own flush, what do you do with the coolant that flows out?

Maybe I should not ask, huh?

Dave In York

 

I did that exact procedure on my 89 celica a couple months ago, it's a simple procedure. Just remember to get rid of the coolant and not to leave it around cuz cats and dogs are apperantly attracted to it... i dunno why, just read it in the Chilton's manual

 

Where does the antifreeze go?

 

I've done the dump the fluid out the block before. It is rather difficult to get to when the Y pipe is in place. Fortunately my Y pipe was not in place at the time. Theres a drain on each of the sides (well front and rear) of the block that are just under the exhaust manifolds. Then use hose and flush clean the system. Catch as much antifreeze as you can in a large pan. Then make sure you hose down the underside of the engine bay as there will be much splashed over antifreeze. This ensures everything gets flushed out 100% instead of just diluting the old stuff.

 

Yeah, supposedly it has a sweet taste but it is Dfinately poisoness. I catch most of it in my oil drain pan then put it back in the new antifreeze bottle for dumping at the local AutoZone. They take waste oil and antifreeze (in limited quantities) and dispose of it properly for no charge.