Spring is finally right around the corner and to me nothing says Spring like getting your car taken care of after a long, brutal winter. Did you know that there are particles in your antifreeze that can lead to clogs in your cooling system? This clogging can lead to overheating which can ultimately damage your engine. It is recommended that you flush your system at least every few years and I cannot think of a better time than the beginning of Spring.
Recommended Items:
Prestone Anti-freeze Gallon SKU 6060044
Wedco 4 Gallon Oil Drain Pan W76 SKU 4560054
Part 1: Tee Attachment and Flush Preparation
- Check the engine to make sure it is no longer hot. Loosen the radiator cap to release any pressure still left, and then re-tighten.
- Place a pan or bucket under the radiator plug beneath the car to catch the old antifreeze. Elevating the car on ramps may help the process.
- Splice the “Flush Tee” to the heater inlet hose. The heater inlet hose usually runs between the firewall and the top of the radiator. This may be done using a clamp and a couple of screws.
Part 2: Attach the Coupler and Back Washing
- Remove the cap covering the tee as well as the radiator cap. Attach a coupler to the flushing tee to prevent backwash. The black part should attach to the tee and the yellow part should attach to a garden hose. On cars with no radiator cap (or reservoir cap), flush by disconnecting the upper radiator hose.
- Flush with tap water until it runs clear. A cleaning solution may have also been provided in the antifreeze flush kit.
Part 3: Refill
- Mix antifreeze according to what your climate needs, somewhere between a 50% and 70% mix.
- Pour the amount you measured into your radiator, reservoir or thermostat opening. Some leakage of water and diluted antifreeze will come out of the tee.
- Recap the tee and tighten the clamp by hand. Replace your radiator cap and run your car for 10 minutes after it reaches its running temperature.
- Allow your engine to cool again and check antifreeze levels. Add more as needed.