i know this maybe a dumb question but just wanted to make sure im doing it right. i take the plug off the bottom of the radiator and wait for all the coolant come out. then wat do i do? turn the car on for a little while with the heater on?

 

You trying to flush your system?

 

If your trying to drain the radiator then your done. Did you want to flush as well?

 

look for a little screw by the thermostat. open it with the car running till it starts bubbling out.

 

Explain this flushing method? I know what bleeding the radiator is/does. But is there more that should or can be done.

 

When you flush the cooling system, you not only are draining whatever coolant you can, but you are also using an external water source to flush all the old **** out. What I typically do is take out the thermostat and reinstall the thermostat housing so there are no restrictions in the system. Then using a garden hose, just fill and flush till you got clear water running out.

When you bleed the cooling system, you have already filled it with the coolant/water mix....now you need to get out all the air bubbles. And when bleeding, not all engines had a bleed screw on top of the thermostat housing, FYI.

To the poster: If you're trying to bleed the system - starting with a cold motor, loosen the radiator cap to allow air to escape. You also put the heater control to full hot, but do not turn the fan on. This allows coolant to circulate through the heater core.

Start the engine and top off the fluid as needed. Wait a good 5-10 minutes till the thermo opens or the cooling fan kicks on and replenish fluid as needed.. Shut off the car and tighten the cap....should be good to go.