I'm going to replace my coolant for the first time (at 25k miles, ~3yrs). Should I just drain and refill or should I do a flush with water as well (not a chemical power flush or anything). Looking at the Helms and Haynes manual, flushing seems to involve a lot more work ie: taking out the thermostat and hoses and such. THe Helms doesn't even cover flushing.

Also should I use distilled water to mix coolant or will tap water suffice? And should the heater temp be on max and blowing air the whole time I do this?

Thanks for any help!

 

Just drain the coolant and leave the draincock open, then take a garden hose and spray into the radiator. After a minute or so of doing that, close the draincock and fill up to the top with water. Leave the cap off and start the car, let it warm up until the thermostat opens and add more water until the radiator is full again. Rev it a bit, then drain the water. Fill it up with 50/50, bleed it, and cap it off. Done.

HTH,
Greg

 

have any of you ever been able to get the engine block plug open?? Damn, there's no clearance in there to get a good socket on it.

 

I've gotten plenty of them off.. of course in my cases, the head was removed

 

I've used a wrench or a short socket.

 

I never worried about it, I just disconnect the lower rad hose at the water pipe, and jack up the driver's side of the car. Most of the coolant flows out.

Peace,
Greg