Coolant drains on LS1
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,937
Likes: 21
From: Waldorf MD
Don't mess with the engine drain plugs, you WILL be sorry (they are very hard to get to).
I drained all but 2 quarts out of mine by just the radiator drain plug. Be sure car is level when draining and your heater is in the on (full heat) position. I have done mine twice (10 years on a 1998). I never flushed the system, since it looked so clean (the shop manual says you don't have to flush if old coolant is clean).
I drained all but 2 quarts out of mine by just the radiator drain plug. Be sure car is level when draining and your heater is in the on (full heat) position. I have done mine twice (10 years on a 1998). I never flushed the system, since it looked so clean (the shop manual says you don't have to flush if old coolant is clean).
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 220
Likes: 8
From: A little place called Macungie PA
I'm asking for trouble with this question.
Is it true that mixing tap water (ie: garden hose water) with Dex-cool can lead to some goofy sludge build-up in the motor. I can't claim to having first hand knowledge but I thought I remembered reading on here one time that the you had to use distilled water with Dex-cool.
I bring this up because I've found it's nearly impossible to ensure you get all of the fuild out of the cooling system when you drain it.
Please correct me if I'm wrong.
I bring this up because I've found it's nearly impossible to ensure you get all of the fuild out of the cooling system when you drain it.
Please correct me if I'm wrong.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,937
Likes: 21
From: Waldorf MD
Is it true that mixing tap water (ie: garden hose water) with Dex-cool can lead to some goofy sludge build-up in the motor. I can't claim to having first hand knowledge but I thought I remembered reading on here one time that the you had to use distilled water with Dex-cool.
I bring this up because I've found it's nearly impossible to ensure you get all of the fuild out of the cooling system when you drain
Please correct me if I'm wrong.
I bring this up because I've found it's nearly impossible to ensure you get all of the fuild out of the cooling system when you drain
Please correct me if I'm wrong.
The thing that makes Dexcool get brown and muddy is leaks, air in the system.
it.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 753
Likes: 2
From: Denville NJ
You may want to do a further search on this. Last season I did the same job and saw a lot of helpfull hints regarding the radiator drain plug which is a pain. You will find there is a repllacement plug with a tab which the stock one dosn't have. It's good to have it prior to starting and doing it while the engine is cold will help you not get burned when the fluid comes out all over when the plug inevitably comes completely out.
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Pro
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 666
Likes: 5
From: Mt. Pleasant SC
I flush my system using distilled water until it runs completely clear, then I let any residual water completely drain. At that time I fill exactly 50% of total capacity with straight Dexcool. You can find capacities in your Owner's Manual. Then I top off with distilled water. That way I ensure a 50/50 mix of Dexcool and distilled water. While filling make sure you have engine running and heater on full. What you NEVER want to do is add regular coolant to your system despite what it says on the bottle ("can mix with any color anti-freeze"). Regular coolant mixed with Dexcool causes big problems internally.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,937
Likes: 21
From: Waldorf MD
The OEM radiator drain plug uses a 1/4 inch drive to open it. If you open it more than 90 degrees, you break off a pin and need a new one (don't ask how I know).
You can get a replacement from NAPA for about $5, you can open this one by hand.
You can get a replacement from NAPA for about $5, you can open this one by hand.
