Hi guys-

I am going to swap out my stock T-Stat for a lower temp unit and in the process I am going to change the coolant as well. Is it all coolant, half coolant and half H20??? I am so confused! Also, what is the capacity of the system? 97 Coupe. Any coolant recommendations? Dexcool etc...

Thanks!

 

You can buy DEXCOOL in a Premix form...cuts out the guess work

here http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=984927

capacities etc..probably in there somewhere

 

Use half distilled water (note I said distilled) and the other half antifreeze. The premixed stuff is silly if you know how to measure half and half, right?

 

Checked with Manual about the Antifreeze/Coolant but make sure you use distiled water. It is important that all the minerals in this water are removed-Distiled Water

 

The manual does not call out an antifreeze spec but says DexCool by Trademark and does not mention the DexCool copies from the likes of Prestone, etc. Thus I take it they really do mean DexCool which is made by Texaco. Biggest problem in my area is finding somebody who sells Dexcool. So far the only place I can get it is at Wal Mart unless I want to pay a really high price at the dealer's parts department. I have never seen it pre-mixed.
Bill

 

Draining and Filling Cooling System

Caution
With a pressurized cooling system, the coolant temperature in the radiator can be considerably higher than the boiling point of the solution at atmospheric pressure. Removal of the surge tank cap, while the cooling system is hot and under high pressure, causes the solution to boil instantaneously with explosive force. This will cause the solution to spew out over the engine, the fenders, and the person removing the cap. Serious bodily injury may result.

Important
If the procedure below is not followed a low or high coolant level condition and/or vehicle damage could result.

1) Park the vehicle on a level surface.

2) Remove the surge tank cap.

3) Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.

4) Place a drain pan under the draincock.

5) Open the radiator draincock.

6) Allow the cooling system to drain completely.

7) Inspect the engine coolant for the following:

Discolored -- follow the flush procedure below.
Normal in appearance -- continue with the next step.

Notice
When adding coolant, use DEX-COOL® coolant. If silicated coolant is added to the system, premature engine, heater core or radiator corrosion may result. In addition, the engine coolant will require change sooner-at 50 000 km (30,000 mi) or 24 months.

Notice
Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

8) Close the radiator drain fowl. Tighten.
Tighten the radiator draincock to 2 N·m (18 lb in).

9) Fill the cooling system through the surge tank.

10) Fill the cooling system with a 50/50 mixture of DEX-COOL® coolant and deionized water.

11) Start the engine.

12) Allow the engine to idle for 1 minute.

13) Install surge tank cap.

14) Cycle the engine RPMs from idle to 3000 in 30 second intervals until the coolant temperature reaches 99°C (210°F).

15)Shut off the engine.

16) Remove the surge tank cap.

17) Start the engine.

18) Allow the engine to Idle for 1 minute. Fill the surge tank to 12.7 mm (0.5 in) above the COLD FULL mark on the surge tank.

19) Install the surge tank cap.

20) Cycle the engine RPMs from idle to 3000 in 30 second intervals until the coolant reaches 99°C (210°F).

21) Shut off the engine.

22) Remove the surge tank cap.

23) Top off the coolant as necessary, 12.7 mm (0.5 in) above FULL COLD mark on the surge tank.

24) Rinse away any excess coolant from the engine and the engine compartment.

25) Inspect the concentration of the engine coolant.

26) Install the surge tank cap.

 

It is easy to change the coolant,, no more difficult than any other. I just did mine 2 weeks ago at 55K miles. I used the Dexcool and distilled water. Extra Jug,, mixed 5050. You will have to hunt for the drain plug. It is unconventional. Located on the pass. side of the radiator facing rearward. It is what appears to be a white nylon "type" plug with a 1/4x1/4" square hole in the center. No more turning by hand or using pliers to break it loose. Just use a 1/4" drive extension and it will fit right into the plug. Give it about 1/2 turn CCW and remove the rad. cap. It holds 12 qts. I measured how much I removed and I took 11 qts out. My coolant was very clean,, infact the cleanest I have ever seen. After draining,, I just (as most repair manuals would say, "reverse removal procedure". I did run and allow it to heat up and then topped off the tank. Drove on the track later,, all is well. 99 Nassau Blue

 

Will both sides of the block drain completely through the radiator drain plug?

Ron ...

 

Good Question