Bleeding cooling system
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 663
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From: Omaha, Ne GO BIG RED
Back Flushing cooling system
I am doing a water pump change on my '86 this weekend, installing a stewart hi-flo and 160 degree thermostat with fan switch, when I have the old pump off, I want to clean out all the water jackets and pockets in the block, and flush the radiator. What is the proper procedure for doing this? I figure while it is all off it is a good time to do it.
Thanks in advance
[Modified by 86Coupe, 11:18 AM 8/23/2001]
Thanks in advance
[Modified by 86Coupe, 11:18 AM 8/23/2001]
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 2,501
Likes: 177
From: Houston, Texas FEAR THE BONES
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Re: Back Flushing cooling system (86Coupe)
This is not specific, but generally you need to flush with regular H20 until it runs clear out of the radiator. Then refill with a specified amount of 100% anitfreeze and then add water to fill up the rest. Bleed air out of the system through the bleeder hoses. Run engine for about 4 minutes, topping off surge tank with 50/50 mixture until level stays at bottom of surge tank neck. Then fill overflow tank with specifed amount of 50/50. Might want to add a bottle of Red Line Water Wetter, too. The factory service manual spells it out very clearly.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,767
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From: Jacksonville Fl
Re: Back Flushing cooling system (94vette)
On my 87, there is a steel tube running from the back of the intake manifold over to a 'tee' fitting on the upper heater hose. It looks to be at the highest point in the cooling system, so I bleed mine from that line.
It really takes a few heating cooling cycles to completely remove all air from the system, so a few days driving is needed to let it work itself out at the worst. Just keep the overflow tank from going dry.
It really takes a few heating cooling cycles to completely remove all air from the system, so a few days driving is needed to let it work itself out at the worst. Just keep the overflow tank from going dry.
