Flushing the System

*HARD*

If rust or scale is found in your coolant, the system should be flushed for thorough cleaning. Flushing effectively removes deposits and rust from the heater core. Appropriate cooling system flush kits can be purchased to assist in this process. Follow the manufacturer's directions for best results.

You should flush the cooling system as follows:

1. Park the vehicle on level ground in a well-ventilated area with the engine OFF, the parking brake engaged, and the transmission in PARK (for automatic) or REVERSE (for manual). Allow the engine to completely cool down if it has been run recently. This will relieve any pressure at the radiator cap and minimize the chance of being scalded by hot coolant.
2. Identify the rubber inlet heater hose that carries coolant from the engine block (near the thermostat) to the heater core in the firewall. Do not confuse this hose with the similar looking outlet heater hose that connects the heater core to the water pump.
3. Place a towel under the inlet heater hose and cut the hose cleanly with a sharp utility knife. Insert a hose clamp from the flush kit over each end of the severed hose.
4. Install the T-fitting (provided in the kit) between the hose ends and tighten the hose clamps. The T-fitting is now a permanent fixture in your inlet heater hose and can be reused whenever you flush the cooling system.
5. Remove the radiator cap and install the splash (elbow) pipe over the radiator filler neck. Place a large container in position to catch used coolant that will emanate from the splash pipe. Turn on the dashboard heater control to HIGH so the heater core can be flushed as well.
6. Connect a garden hose to the T-fitting and turn the water on full blast. Flush the system until the water coming from the splash pipe is clear. At this point, all used coolant has been removed from the system.
7. Disconnect the garden hose from the T-fitting but do not cover the T-fitting with its cap yet. Remove the splash pipe from radiator filler neck. Pour the appropriate amount of pure antifreeze directly into the radiator using a funnel; consult your owner's manual for system capacity. Displaced water will exit at the T-fitting. The correct quantities of water and antifreeze will now be in the system. Install the T-fitting cap tightly.
8. Start the engine and let it reach operating temperature in order to mix the coolant thoroughly. The radiator should be full. Replace the radiator cap.
9. Fill the coolant recovery reservoir (if provided) with a 50/50 mix of coolant. Dispose of the used coolant in the appropriate manner.

SYSTEMS
COOLANT
CHANGING YOUR COOLANT
COOLANT PROTECTION