How To Flush Your Radiator
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By Anna Finger
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Preparing To Flush Your Radiator
In order for your car's radiator to be cool, the entire system needs to br cleaned regularly. Solid deposits can build up in
your car's system that will clog the cooling system if it goes unattended. Radiator flushes are quick and inexpensive.
The first thing you want to do is make sure you have all your supplies. Don't start the process without everything you need.
You don't want to start and then start over because you have to pick up supplies at the auto supply retailer, especially if you
already drained the radiator out completely!
Supplies:
- funnel
- coolant
- cloth rag
- radiator flush solution
- Phillips head screwdriver or wrench
- used coolant catcher or receptacle
BEFORE YOU START, let your engine cool down completely before you loosening or removing the radiator cap. The last thing you
want is hot coolant spilling on you - HOT!
Draining The Radiator And Cooling System
First, flush the old coolant out of your car's radiator.
To do this, you'll need to locate your radiator's drain plug. If you're not sure where it is, you should consult your user's
manual. Normally, it's located along the bottom of your radiator. It will be either a screw plug, a bolt plug or a simple
drain valve. Before you do anything, place your used coolant receptacle in place right under the drain before you open it.
With your coolant receptacle beneath the drain, unscrew the plug and let the coolant drain out completely. If you have a screw
or bolt type of radiator plug, remove it completely. If it happens to be a simple drain valve, make sure it's all the way open.
CAUTION: Keep coolant away from children and pets. It has a sweet smell and taste and animals are attracted to it. Ingesting
it is very dangerous, even fatal. Be sure not to leave any around.
Add the Radiator Flush Cleaning Solution
Now that you've drained all the coolant from the radiator, replace your drain plug and then remove the radiator cap. Pour the
radiator flush solution in the radiator then fill it to the top with water.
Now that you've drained all the coolant from the radiator, replace your drain plug and then remove the radiator cap. Pour the
radiator flush solution in the radiator then fill it to the top with water.
Replace the radiator cap and make sure it's tight, but don't over-tighten. Start the car and let the engine run until it
reaches its normal operating temperature.
Turn the heater on, set it at the hottest level and then let your engine ruin for about ten minutes with the heater on. After
ten minutes, turn the engine off and wait for it too cool. Feel the metal radiator or radiator cap. If it feels hot when you
touch it then it's still too hot to open. Wait for it to cool down.
CAUTION: Do not loosen or remove your radiator cap while the engine is hot. You can suffer serious injury!
Draining The Radiator Flush Solution
If you're certain your car's engine is cool, open up the drain and empty out the radiator. Be careful not to pour coolant on
the ground. You're almost done.
Refill The Radiator
We're at the final step. Now that your radiator system is completely flushed, you can refill it with fresh coolant.
Replace your drain plug or close the drain valve depending on which you have. Using your funnel to eliminate any spills, fill
the radiator with coolant and water. Make sure the mixture is 50/50! To be sure, you might want to pick up the premixed coolant.
You can find some at your auto retailer. If you buy it premixed it will eliminate measuring the ratio. Once the radiator is
filled, fill the plastic coolant container if there is a separate opening for it using the premixed coolant.
Tighten all of your radiator caps and you're all set!
