C6 Tech/Performance LS2, LS3, LS7, LS9 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Tech Topics, Basic Tech, Maintenance, How to Remove & Replace
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:
Old Feb 20, 2015, 05:59 PM
How-Tos on this Topic
Last edit by: IB Advertising
See related guides and technical advice from our community experts:

Browse all: Engine and Powertrain
Print Wikipost

c6 coolant flush

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 13, 2010 | 07:23 PM
  #1  
mercury51's Avatar
mercury51
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
Default c6 coolant flush

any info will be greatly appreciated


bill
Reply
Old Oct 14, 2010 | 02:14 AM
  #2  
Rebel 1's Avatar
Rebel 1
Drifting
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,443
Likes: 7
From: Bristol raceway area
Default

Get the front in the air loosen the drain plug on the lower right of the radiator, flush everything good and replace Dexcool, SLOWLY. I did this about 5 months ago. Piece of cake. The system practically bled itself of air unlike having to "burp" the C5's. If you want to check for air, there is a hose in front coming off the drivers side head near the top you can disconnect to see if there is fluid coming out of it. Good luck.
Reply
Old Oct 14, 2010 | 10:57 AM
  #3  
Boomer111's Avatar
Boomer111
Race Director
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 14,999
Likes: 200
From: Bay Area Ca.
Default

There is specific procedure to follow per GM. Having to do with running at a certain rpm and having heater turned up etc. It is not just a drain and fill scenario.
Reply
Old Oct 14, 2010 | 03:33 PM
  #4  
stevette17's Avatar
stevette17
Pro
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 512
Likes: 2
Default

how much fluid comes out from just doing a drain?
Reply
Old Oct 14, 2010 | 11:04 PM
  #5  
Rebel 1's Avatar
Rebel 1
Drifting
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,443
Likes: 7
From: Bristol raceway area
Default

I did mine Exactly as i stated. Couldn't have been easier. As for the heater i involved it but i have not heard of these cars with "heater control valves" like the older cars. I only had to cycle the rpm's a few times. The system bled itself.

With just a drain i got out 2 gallons.
Reply
Old Oct 15, 2010 | 10:41 AM
  #6  
Boomer111's Avatar
Boomer111
Race Director
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 14,999
Likes: 200
From: Bay Area Ca.
Default

That what I drained out too 2 gallons. Well not me personally but I watched!!
Reply
Old Oct 15, 2010 | 10:55 AM
  #7  
SinisterC6's Avatar
SinisterC6
Speedy
Supporting Lifetime Gold
15 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 6,109
Likes: 931
From: Tn
2024 C8 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Default

i was looking to flush the system and use something other than dexcool as i here it corrodes aluminum, also to keep engine temps down i wanted to run a more agressive mix in terms of %water, what is the minimal amount of antifreeze needed provided i live in the midwest, and will be running water wetter
Reply
Old Oct 15, 2010 | 04:04 PM
  #8  
Boomer111's Avatar
Boomer111
Race Director
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 14,999
Likes: 200
From: Bay Area Ca.
Default

Originally Posted by SinisterC6
i was looking to flush the system and use something other than dexcool as i here it corrodes aluminum, also to keep engine temps down i wanted to run a more agressive mix in terms of %water, what is the minimal amount of antifreeze needed provided i live in the midwest, and will be running water wetter
Better do more research on this. If you do change anti freeze type be sure to get all the Dexcool out, with very persistent flushing.

With water wetter you can run straight water only, with the addition of the wetter, if you desire.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-1

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-7

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-8

10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
Old Oct 15, 2010 | 07:37 PM
  #9  
SinisterC6's Avatar
SinisterC6
Speedy
Supporting Lifetime Gold
15 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 6,109
Likes: 931
From: Tn
2024 C8 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Default

Originally Posted by Boomer111
Better do more research on this. If you do change anti freeze type be sure to get all the Dexcool out, with very persistent flushing.

With water wetter you can run straight water only, with the addition of the wetter, if you desire.
so i assume water wetter has antifreeze properties, thanks,

they make an additive that breaks down dexcool, you flush the system, add the killer, flush again then free to do what you want
Reply
Old Oct 16, 2010 | 02:22 AM
  #10  
Rebel 1's Avatar
Rebel 1
Drifting
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,443
Likes: 7
From: Bristol raceway area
Default

Originally Posted by Boomer111
That what I drained out too 2 gallons. Well not me personally but I watched!!
Reply
Old Oct 16, 2010 | 12:09 PM
  #11  
John Harry's Avatar
John Harry
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,278
Likes: 550
From: Pittsburgh PA
St. Jude Donor '10-'11-'12-'13-'14
Default

Originally Posted by SinisterC6
so i assume water wetter has antifreeze properties
No antifreeze properties, but it's compatible with DexCool and others.
Reply
Old Oct 16, 2010 | 01:58 PM
  #12  
SinisterC6's Avatar
SinisterC6
Speedy
Supporting Lifetime Gold
15 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 6,109
Likes: 931
From: Tn
2024 C8 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Default

Originally Posted by John Harry
No antifreeze properties, but it's compatible with DexCool and others.
well i know pure water wetter and distilled water provide the most cooling, my concearn is that the coolant will freeze come -30 deg days
Reply
Old Oct 16, 2010 | 05:00 PM
  #13  
Gearhead Jim's Avatar
Gearhead Jim
Team Owner
Supporting Member
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 25,004
Likes: 2,706
From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
Default

GM has been using Dexcool in the Corvette for over a decade, and there have been very few problems that might be related to that use.

Experimenting can be fun, or frustrating and expensive.
Reply
Old Apr 25, 2011 | 10:14 PM
  #14  
rwilkin1's Avatar
rwilkin1
Cruising
 
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 13
Likes: 1
From: Loudonville NY
Default

I find it funny that people will spend 50K to 100K on a car that has had as much testing as the Corvette then replace the coolant with a fluid that will void their warranty. I can see performance upgrades and exterior improvements but the fluids in your car have been tested and in some cases designed for your car or engine. I heard Extra Virgin Olive Oil makes your engine run cleaner and you can gain 45 HP in the process send me $5 and I will give you the ratio's. ))))))
Reply
Old Apr 26, 2011 | 11:18 AM
  #15  
Ragtop 99's Avatar
Ragtop 99
Safety Car
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,537
Likes: 1,403
From: Bethesda MD
Default

Originally Posted by SinisterC6
well i know pure water wetter and distilled water provide the most cooling, my concearn is that the coolant will freeze come -30 deg days
if your car is exposed to -30* temps, you need to stay at 50/50.

There should be a mixture chart on the bottle, showing the mix% and effective temp. I confirm mix ratio with an antifreeze tester after a couple days use.
Reply
Old Apr 26, 2011 | 01:09 PM
  #16  
Gearhead Jim's Avatar
Gearhead Jim
Team Owner
Supporting Member
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 25,004
Likes: 2,706
From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
Default

Me thinks I saw a chart somewhere showing that a 50-50 mix also has a higher boiling point than 100% water.

Can anyone post a chart or a link?
Reply
Old Apr 26, 2011 | 04:07 PM
  #17  
Ragtop 99's Avatar
Ragtop 99
Safety Car
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,537
Likes: 1,403
From: Bethesda MD
Default

The antifreeze mix definitely has a higher boiling point. Even adding 20% - 30% coolant significantly increases the boiling point. Something has to fail to get a 20% coolant mix to boil over in normal driving. Only time I've ever seen over 230* with a 160 t-stat is with a stuck thermostat or when I miswired my fans on my 99. :o
Maybe the road race guys see high coolant temps when the oil hits 270+

I've also seen some undersized systems (i.e. mods added far in excess of stock capacity) hit 240*

Last edited by Ragtop 99; Apr 26, 2011 at 04:52 PM.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To c6 coolant flush

Old Apr 26, 2011 | 04:53 PM
  #18  
LEAVINU's Avatar
LEAVINU
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 5,078
Likes: 19
From: Cumming, GA
Default

Originally Posted by rwilkin1
the fluids in your car have been tested and in some cases designed for your car or engine.
.... it's a sad day if you really believe this.

Originally Posted by Ragtop 99
The antifreeze mix definitely has a higher boiling point. Even adding 20% - 30% coolant significantly increases the boiling point.
We're talking 15deg more tops with a 50/50 mix actually.

Last edited by LEAVINU; Apr 26, 2011 at 05:02 PM.
Reply
Old Apr 26, 2011 | 05:20 PM
  #19  
TLK's Avatar
TLK
Pro
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 547
Likes: 3
From: Silicon Valley California
St. Jude Donor '09-'11
Default

GM DexCool is not a great product. See the following links about DexCool

http://www.sancarlosradiator.com/dex-cool.htm

http://www.sancarlosradiator.com/dex-cool_pics.htm

If want to keep using a "DexCool" like product, so as to not void your warranty, use a somewhat better product. With any coolant, you should be replacing it every two years. With the original GM factory fill DexCool, I was sorry I didn't do it the first year as there was a little bit or orange stuff stuck inside the overflow tank.

I use Zerex DexCool.

http://www.valvoline.com/products/br.../antifreeze/41
Reply
Old Apr 26, 2011 | 07:33 PM
  #20  
LEAVINU's Avatar
LEAVINU
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 5,078
Likes: 19
From: Cumming, GA
Default

Originally Posted by TLK
GM DexCool is not a great product.
Uh oh....... you've done it now.
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 07:33 AM.

story-0
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-2
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE