LIGHTNING

Is it ok to have front of c5 on ramps while draining & filling coolant? I noticed the shop manual says to be sure car is level. But there's no way to fit a pan under radiator. Any reason it has to be level?

Miaugi

LIGHTNING - Iguess that the system is geared for refill based on being more or less level. To avoid potential problems, maybe drive the front on ramps and jacking up the rear to compensate would be a good idea.

There are some procedures to follow but if you have the manual you will be ok. One thing not well covered in the shop manual though is the drain, the actual drain itself is under the rad, but the valve fowl is facing the engine and you need a 1/4" drive to turn it. It only turns about 1/3 of a turn (counterclockwise) then you should just give a tug outwards with your fingers (or small piers) to open it up to the max. It doesn't drain that fast, probably a good 5 minutes to empty the system, don't forget to remove the filler cap while draining. Good luck. :)

gonbad

To drain you are OK with it on ramps. It will need to be level to refill properly.

If you follow the system outlined in the Service Manual you can leave the car on the ramps as you cycle water through the system. DO NOT USE A CHEMICAL FLUSH. Keep a good eye on the amount of solution you put back in the car after flushing. Once it begins to fill the surge tank take the car off the ramps and finish with it level.

luvinc5

Yuk, that's a messy diy operation you'll be undertaking.

wwashing

And take the residue to your local Haz-waste center! :cheers:

skidmarc

dont forget to use distilled water so that the minerals dont corrode the aluminum!

LIGHTNING

Thanks for the responses!
Do you use distilled water to flush it also, or just the final fill?

Miaugi

I used it for the final fill only, the flush was with tap water. The manual says to use clear, clean tap water. The distilled water is just an ounce of prevention.

skidmarc

I jus got new Dexcool and its orange...what happend to the pink?

kromberg

All the DexCool I have ever bought has been orange :)

Keith

skidmarc

anyone have a link that details the coolant flush/refill process for the backyard mechanic?