The drain method would be a cinch. I'd repeat the process of draining and refilling with water about three times, and then add the 50/50 dilution afterwards.

I'm more interested in doing the flush method though. I know there are three bolts to remove. The radiator one, easily acessible from the bottom of the car with a convenient hole cut out so it can drain cleanly. The other two, on the block, are a different story. Could anyone describe in detail where these two bolts are?

Also, when I bought Prestone coolant, I also picked up a flush kit. It tells you to cut one of the hoses permanently, add the T-style adapter so a hose can be attached directly. I was just wondering if anyone has ever used this kit before?

Any input/feedback/tips would be great. Thanks

 

im also in need of doin this, ill just ride shotgun cuz i need this info as well...sorry i didnt post anything useful, just showing its important

 

I just did the flush today. After reading the Haynes manual I looked at the drain plugs in the block and said forget that crap but I did use their method for flushing the system and it semed to work pretty well.

1. Remove radiator cap and drain radiator by removing the plug in the
bottom.
2. Remove upper hose from radiator only.
3. Remove lower hose from the thermostat housing on the block.
4. Remove the thermostat housing and take out the thermostat. This
can be a bit of a pain because the lower nut is sort of hidden and
the belt tensioner is kind of in the way. In the manual it says to
remove the tensioner but I didn't and it wasn't a big deal.
5. Reinstall the thermostat housing and put the hose back on.
6. Put the plug back in the bottom of the radiator and put a garden
hose in the radiator where the upper hose attaches. Turn the water
on and let it run until the water coming out of the upper hose
runs clear.
7. Drain radiator and reattach upper hose.
8. Reinstall thermostat.
9. Refill radiator with coolant/water.
10.Start engine and allow to warm up to normal operating temp while
watching water level in the radiator. Add water if needed.

This may seem like a lot of work but it is fairly simple. Took me less than an hour. If I had tried to take the drain plugs out of the block it would have taken a LOT longer and I would probably have been bloody.

 

Thanks, I have the Haynes manual too but I also said "forget that crap" with the thermostat removal part. Could anyone describe to me how to flush the whole system using the "trikle" water method.

Also, what do people mean when they say, "wait for the thermostat to open"?

thanks again

 

help?

 

Not exactly sure what the trickle method but it is probably letting the fluid trickle though the small pinhole in the thermostat.

The thermostat will open when it hits its set temp ie 180, it pretty easy to tell the top hose will get real warm in a hurry, you could also leave the top of the radiator and watch while the car is running you can see the circulation when it opens.

 

Thanks Jime. Nice car, btw. I've been reading your recent posts and you've been pretty helpful.

Anyway, the trickle method, sorry to be so general. It is a term that DBM used when he described how you would put the hose into the top of the radiator and let it flow at a rate slightly higher than it was draining down at the bottom.