Coolant Flush
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 538
Likes: 1
From: Niles Michigan
Coolant Flush
I am changing to a 180 degree t-stat this weekend in my 06 Z51, and have a few questions regarding coolant. I purchased 2 gallons of GM Dexcool and am wondering what kind of water to add to it. Regular tap water, filtered water, well water, or distilled water. I don't think well water is a good idea because of the iron in it. I live south of Chicago and can get regular City of Chicago water to use, or would I be better off with distilled or filtered water. Also, is there a bleeder valve to open up after I add the coolant?
Team Owner
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 82,175
Likes: 1,319
From: McKinney TX
St. Jude Donor '21-'22-'23-'24
My 2006 owner's manual says a 50/50 mixture of DEX-COOL and clean, drinkable water should be used. Couldn't find anything about your other question.
Last edited by Vette_DD; Oct 25, 2007 at 10:59 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,837
Likes: 4
I use distilled water; there's probably no good reason to but another couple dollars isn't a big deal either.
There's a cross-flow tube of some sort that you might be able to disconnect, but I don't think there's any need to do it. Just fill, run until the thermostat opens and re-fill. Then check it a couple of times over the next few days.
There's a cross-flow tube of some sort that you might be able to disconnect, but I don't think there's any need to do it. Just fill, run until the thermostat opens and re-fill. Then check it a couple of times over the next few days.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 324
Likes: 0
From: Kalispell Montana
Be sure to use distilled water. Cooling system as well as topping off any battery. It's cheap and easy to find. I usually keep 4-6 gal on hand just in case something unexpected comes up. I have become convinced that some head gasket problems are aggravated by weak worn coolant using tap water. Not to mention junk building up in the radiator.
By the way, what was the verdict on the Dexcool after all the dust had settled?
By the way, what was the verdict on the Dexcool after all the dust had settled?
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 7,588
Likes: 6
From: Montreal Qc
There is no bleeder valve but there is a specific routine to use.....here it is from the service manual:
Start by filling the surge tank as much as possible with the engine not running, as coolant empties from the surge tank, keep refilling it for at least 5 minutes.
Then, start the engine and allow it to idle for about 4 minutes.
Again start to fill the surge tank as needed until the coolant level remains at the base of the surge tank neck fill.
Increase the RPM's to 2,000 - 2,500 for about 2 minutes.
Let the engine return to idle and add another 1.1 quarts.
Shut engine off and allow the engine to cool, once it has completely cooled top off the surge tank as needed.
Watch it closely for the next few days to insure it still is not low.
Start by filling the surge tank as much as possible with the engine not running, as coolant empties from the surge tank, keep refilling it for at least 5 minutes.
Then, start the engine and allow it to idle for about 4 minutes.
Again start to fill the surge tank as needed until the coolant level remains at the base of the surge tank neck fill.
Increase the RPM's to 2,000 - 2,500 for about 2 minutes.
Let the engine return to idle and add another 1.1 quarts.
Shut engine off and allow the engine to cool, once it has completely cooled top off the surge tank as needed.
Watch it closely for the next few days to insure it still is not low.
