QuestionHello,
I would like to have my radiator/engine flushed soon and have a few questions.
I recently heard at a quick change oil/lube shop that they use a new type of machine that "sucks" the coolant out of the engine, rather than the older method of draining and flushing. They say this gets all or most of the coolant out of the engine. Are these machines safe to use? How do they work .. using vacuum in your radiator hose??
If I do the flush myself, I was planning on several iterations of filling with water and running until hot and draining. Then re-filling w/ 50% coolant and 50% distilled water. Does this sound like the proper method?
The coolant in my car now is old (over 2 years) but still looks clean.
Thank you very much!
-Dave
AnswerHi Dave,
The method used by these quick-change oil change places works ok but it's the 'lazy-man's' drain.
On both sides of your engine block near the oil pan mount are drain plugs that when removed will allow ALL of the coolant in the engine to drain out. 100% of it. The suction method is not quite as thorough and only removes the coolant from the radiator and any coolant that drains-back from the engine block and head(s), but the reality is that an extra couple of pints of old coolant is not going to have any affect on the new stuff being added. Personally, I use the drain plugs because it is a more complete drain.
Ok, no one else will ever tell you this but...
...if the coolant in your vehicle is still clean, don't replace it at all. Instead, go down to your local auto parts supplier and buy a bottle of water-pump lubricant and rust inhibitors. I'm referring of course to a single bottle of additive with both of these properties. Sometimes it's referred to as a cooling system recharge or something similar. When in doubt, ask the counter salesman I'm sure they'll be able to steer you in the right direction. BTW, Walmart and most department stores also sell coolant additives on the shelf.
Ok, now for the schooling.
Contrary to popular beliefs, coolant/anti-freeze is FOREVER. Coolant /anti-freeze contains Ethelene-Glycol which keeps it's properties of a high boiling point and extremely low freeze point forever. The reason car owners are asked to replace the coolant at set intervals is because rust inhibitors and water pump lubricants (added to the coolant) DON'T last forever and instead of telling people the cheap fix is a bottle of additive every two years or so, the more popular and also exponentially more expensive option is to flush and refill with new. Your old coolant is still worth something to them because like I said, coolant/anti-freeze is forever and haz-mat recycling facilities filter and re-sell your old coolant when it is recycled.
Flush and fill if you desire, but now you know the truth.
Looking for a reputable service technician? My advice on finding a good technician is: Steer clear of the dealership and 'chain' stores like Firestone, Sears, Pep Boys, Monro Muffler/Brake, Midas, etc. as they usually only employ ONE ASE Certified Tech just so they can say they do and chances are, that guy is the asst. manager or manager and is not in the store to diagnose/repair vehicles anyway. Find a service location in the link below or get some names out of the yellow-pages and do a drive-by. Garages that employ ASE Certified Technicians will be marked with the 'Blue-Seal' insignia. If unsure about whether a place employs Certified Techs, just ask to see their credentials. ALL ASE Certified Technicians will be PROUD to show and display their certificate(s).
Thanks for the question, I hope this information was helpful to you.
Fred
Knucklebusters Used Auto & Truck Parts, Inc.
www.knucklebusters.us
570-453-0910
"Re-use is the best form of recycling" Help us recycle by purchasing used parts from us!
Looking for an ASE Certified shop near you? ASE Certified Technicians are the BEST of the BEST!
Click here: http://www.ase.com/bluesealsearch/locator.php
