General GM Chat When starting new posts, please specify YEAR, MAKE, MODEL, ENGINE type, and whatever modifications you have made. Chat about all things GM (and related cars). Off-topic stuff should be in the Lounge, and all Model specific mechanical problems should be posted in the proper forum.

Coolant flushing questions

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 03-22-2007, 12:02 PM
  #1  
Senior Member
Posts like a Camaro
Thread Starter
 
Grimm's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: West Michigan
Posts: 1,152
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Grimm is on a distinguished road
Default Coolant flushing questions

OK, after doing some searching on changing coolant, I think I'm ready for the task. I'll be doing my Cutlass shortly, and then the Bonneville. It sounds like the Prestone flush tee kit will give me all the info I need as far as flushing. My question is regarding the hose. It sounds like I can cut the hose, or just disconnect it and insert another small piece for the other end of the tee? If I go this route, can anyone tell me what size hose to get, or will I just have to purchase a whole heater hose?

Also, I'm a little leary of drilling the thermostat. Can anyone share a picture of exactly where this needs to be done? Thanks
Old 03-22-2007, 12:29 PM
  #2  
DINOSAURUS BOOSTUS

Expert Gearhead
 
BillBoost37's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Enfield, CT
Posts: 41,391
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes on 8 Posts
BillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of light
Default

Personally I don't believe in using the T. Looks like it could be a restriction (although not much).

I remove the hoses and put the water hose to them. Reverse.. flush from rad out..heater in.. in through the top rad hose..

Every which way. to ensure you get all the coolant. Black94SSei thought he was done when his hands were freezing, then we reversed flow again and out came more orange.
Old 03-22-2007, 01:24 PM
  #3  
Senior Member
Posts like a Turbo
 
BonnevillesSince62's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Houston, Tx
Posts: 367
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
BonnevillesSince62 is on a distinguished road
Default

I've used the T on a few dozen cars. I've never had an issue. I just find the most convenient spot on either of the hoses, cut it in the middle, and install the T. I like it because you don't even have to remove a drain plug from the radiator or the block to flush. Just insert the yellow plastic piece that fits into the radiator inlet, connect about a 4' long, 5/8" diameter heater hose to it (it will squeeze on the INSIDE of the yellow fitting), and use that to drain into a bucket out of where the radiator cap goes. If you flush long enough, you'll get out just about everything.
Old 03-22-2007, 10:28 PM
  #4  
Senior Member
True Car Nut
 
dillcc's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,689
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
dillcc is on a distinguished road
Default Re: Coolant flushing questions

Originally Posted by Grimm
Also, I'm a little leary of drilling the thermostat. Can anyone share a picture of exactly where this needs to be done? Thanks
Here'* your pic - should be at the top:
http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...stall&start=35

It'* really not too hard; just be sure it'* held down firmly so it doesn't go spinning like crazy when the bit goes through
Old 03-23-2007, 07:48 AM
  #5  
Senior Member
Posts like a Camaro
Thread Starter
 
Grimm's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: West Michigan
Posts: 1,152
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Grimm is on a distinguished road
Default

Great, thanks!
Old 03-23-2007, 10:37 AM
  #6  
Senior Member
True Car Nut
 
bill buttermore's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Ames, Iowa
Posts: 3,066
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
bill buttermore is on a distinguished road
Default

The Prestone tee fitting provides a reverse flush of (most of) the engine and the radiator (if the thermostat is removed) , but not the heater core. When I use the Prestone tee, I use a spare piece of hose so the tee is only used for flushing. (Three less fittings to leak.) But, I like Boosty'* approach better. I would reverse flush the radiator by flushing through the lower hose with the upper hose disconnected. Reverse flush the engine block through the top heater hose with the thermostat in and lower rad hose disconnected. Reverse flush the intake manifold through the thermostat opening with the thermostat out and the top heater hose disconnected. Reverse flush the heater core through the lower heater hose with both heater hoses off at the tensioner. I do all of this with a cold engine so as not to be damaging metal components with thermal shock. Just my $.02
Old 03-23-2007, 12:16 PM
  #7  
Senior Member
Posts like a Camaro
Thread Starter
 
Grimm's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: West Michigan
Posts: 1,152
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Grimm is on a distinguished road
Default

Thanks both Bills, that sounds pretty simple.
Old 03-23-2007, 12:58 PM
  #8  
DINOSAURUS BOOSTUS

Expert Gearhead
 
BillBoost37's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Enfield, CT
Posts: 41,391
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes on 8 Posts
BillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of light
Default

A quick reiteration

I flush every way possible (warm day makes it better). If you have the time.. refill and run the engine for a couple moments to stir it up and get anything else out, then flush again ...every which way.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
cvc
1992-1999
8
10-30-2006 09:03 AM
Allmachtige
Forced Induction
11
07-02-2004 01:10 PM
95neongirl
1992-1999
14
11-10-2003 07:47 AM
tdellaringa
Forced Induction
2
10-08-2003 07:56 PM
Paulnold
1992-1999
8
06-28-2003 03:33 AM



Quick Reply: Coolant flushing questions



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 04:28 PM.