Next project, cooling system
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,829
Likes: 45
From: Las Vegas Nevada
Next project, cooling system
Next job is cooling system. I want to flush the system, replace
antifreeze and use steam distilled water. Are there any traps
waiting for me or is it just as straight forward as it sounds.
I hate to start another thread that could become a dex-cool
arguement.
antifreeze and use steam distilled water. Are there any traps
waiting for me or is it just as straight forward as it sounds.
I hate to start another thread that could become a dex-cool
arguement.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 16,475
Likes: 270
From: Kingman AZ
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Cruise-In VIII
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Not sure about the LT1/4 system but the L98s require lots of time to get the air out of the system when refilling. Fill the radiator, replace the cap, run the engine till it gets to operating range then let it cool down. Open the cap and add more coolant. Repeat as needed. I see that Peak has a new coolant called Global Antifreeze that is supposed to mix OK with other styles of coolant. Might be a good time to replace the radiator hoses and pressure cap too. 
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,671
Likes: 20
From: Lake Wylie SC
Have a look at some of the Tech Tips. Lots of good ideas and tips. Take a look at the flushing tool tip. And I'd stay with the anti-freeze that came in your Vette. I wouldn't experiment with one that mixes with either. JMO
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 13,421
Likes: 8
From: Lake Mary Florida
Not sure on LT4, but LT1 should have a bleed bolt on the thermostat housing and a bleed screw on the throttle body inlet tube. Add five tables of GM coolant sealant crush them in a small baggy helps them to disolve.Fill coolant system. Remove air filter system, tuck some towels down in and around the bleed screw areas to protecct the opti and soak up coolant. Open the throttle body bleed screw until the air is purged and a constant flow of coolant. Secure and loosen the thermostat house bleed and repeat. Top off surge tank and leave cap off. Start engine, and allow it to idle. Monitor the coolant temp and continue to top off surge tank. When the coolant reaches about 190 or so, the thermostat should have opened and it should be flowing. Top off again and secure the cap on the surge tank. Shut engine off.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,671
Likes: 20
From: Lake Wylie SC
Originally Posted by 93JetJocky
Not sure on LT4, but LT1 should have a bleed bolt on the thermostat housing and a bleed screw on the throttle body inlet tube. Add five tables of GM coolant sealant crush them in a small baggy helps them to disolve.Fill coolant system. Remove air filter system, tuck some towels down in and around the bleed screw areas to protecct the opti and soak up coolant. Open the throttle body bleed screw until the air is purged and a constant flow of coolant. Secure and loosen the thermostat house bleed and repeat. Top off surge tank and leave cap off. Start engine, and allow it to idle. Monitor the coolant temp and continue to top off surge tank. When the coolant reaches about 190 or so, the thermostat should have opened and it should be flowing. Top off again and secure the cap on the surge tank. Shut engine off.
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Drifting
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,593
Likes: 0
From: Mobile AL
St. Jude Donor '05
No more coolant tablets - GM has backed down on that advice. Drain radiator, remove both knock sensors, flush with plain water, (depending on age, might want to replace hoses) close drain, replace knock sensors, refill with 50/50 water and Dexcool (as stated, open the bleed valve by the thermostat) and fill until coolant streams out. Replace, top of the coolant reservoir, drive. That takes 4 pages up in the manual.
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
From: Waterdown Ontario
Hello:
Just a reminder, when flush and fill your cooling system...dont forget to inspect the condition of your rad.....!!!!!!
Make shure that the fins are not dammaged of bent.
Make shure that there is no trash in the rad section.
Consider getting a SS front grille kit to keep your rad safe from road objects and garbage.....its cheep insurance..... I had to replace my rad due to road object dammage....BIG $$$$
Just a reminder, when flush and fill your cooling system...dont forget to inspect the condition of your rad.....!!!!!!
Make shure that the fins are not dammaged of bent.
Make shure that there is no trash in the rad section.
Consider getting a SS front grille kit to keep your rad safe from road objects and garbage.....its cheep insurance..... I had to replace my rad due to road object dammage....BIG $$$$