Antifreeze manufacturers recommend changing the coolant once a year, and some service manuals stipulate flushing and refilling the radiator every 24 months, regardless of mileage. Antifreeze Importance Antifreeze serves two important functions: protecting the cooling system at temperature extremes and inhibiting rust and corrosion in the system. Many antifreezes also have additives that help lubricate the water pump and thermostat, so coolant has multiple advantages over plain water. Glycol Styles Antifreeze's active ingredient is glycol. "Standard" coolants contain ethylene glycol (EG), which is toxic to people, pets, wildlife and groundwater. In recent years, less-toxic antifreezes containing propylene glycol have become available. These products advertise comparable cooling qualities to EG antifreezes but with less environmental impact. Either way, always clean up any coolant spills/radiator boil-overs promptly. Draining & Flushing Rust and sediment can accumulate in the cooling system. Flushing the radiator helps keep the cooling system clean. Begin by parking the car away from kids, pets and storm drains. Elevating the car on ramps can make the job easier. With the ignition off, engine cool, car in Park and emergency brake set, remove the radiator cap. Place a bucket or pan (minimum 2-gallon capacity) under the radiator drain plug and open it. Close the plug once the coolant flow ends. For more thorough draining, remove the plug(s) in the engine block (if so equipped) to release the coolant that remains in the engine. If the old coolant appears rusty or contaminated, flush the system with a radiator-cleaning product to further remove sediment. With all drain plugs closed, fill the radiator with a flush/cleaner product and plain water. Then run the vehicle with the heater on high for as long as the flush product's instructions specify. Once the engine cools, drain the flushing solution, refill the radiator with plain water, and repeat the sequence following the flush's instructions. Refilling Consult your vehicle's owner's manual and the antifreeze bottle for proper coolant-to-water ratio, which can vary between 40% and 70% antifreeze based on vehicle and climate. Fill the radiator appropriately then fill the overflow reservoir to the appropriate level with a 50/50 mix. Clean up any spills immediately. Close the cap(s) and run the vehicle up to operating temperature with the heater on high to circulate the coolant throughout the system. Once the engine cools, check for leaks. After a few days of driving, double-check the coolant mixture with a hydrometer or test strips (both of which are available inexpensively from the parts store) and adjust the concentration as necessary. Additives Various chemical additives are formulated to improve cooling-system performance while you drive. Rust inhibitors are designed to reduce oxidation and neutralize acids; many also include lubricants for the water pump and thermostat. Other chemicals improve the coolant's heat-dissipation properties and claim up to a 20-degree F reduction in operating temperature. Flushing your car's cooling system isn't the most glamorous way to spend a Saturday morning. But just as your refrigerator's coils need periodic vacuuming for proper operation, keeping the car's cooling system clean is cheaper and easier than the consequences of ignoring it.
Unhook any hoses and run water through it.
u need to take both the radiator hoses off the radiator and take a water hose to the top inlet. leave the cap on it. and let water run through it to flush it out.
Remove The Radiator And Have A Radiator Shop Test, And Flush It.
Open the radiator drain and let drain into a catch basin. Run water through the radiator by filling through the radiator cap with a hose till the water coming out is clear. Fill through the overflow bottle if there is not a radiator cap present.
Remove the bottom radiator hose. Stick a hose in the top of the radiator. Turn the water on. Allow the water to run through the radiator and out the bottom of the radiator.
Just flushing the radiator, no but to flush the system, yes.
there is a radiator plug on the bottom passenger side of the radiatior, take that out and flush from the radiator cap.
Cleans antifreeze and dirt out of the radiator
Remove the coolant from your 1997 Chevy Malibu radiator. Remove the bottom radiator hose. Run water through the top of the radiator allowing it to run out the bottom.
can crack the engine.
Remove both upper and lower radiator hoses and run your garden hose water through from the top opening.
To flush a Toyota Previa radiator, first drain the antifreeze in the radiator into a bucket. This is done by turning the valve at the bottom of the radiator. Close the valve and add a radiator flush product purchased at an automotive parts store. Follow the directions on the bottle of flush. This usually means running the vehicle for a certain amount of time and then draining the radiator again.