The coolant in your 2002 Chevrolet Silverado can degrade over an extended time. When the coolant degrades or debris builds up, the coolant cannot work as efficiently to maintain proper engine temperature. If that happens, the solution is to drain the existing coolant and replace it. Chevrolet recommends that you use a mixture of half antifreeze and half clean water when you add new coolant to your truck.
Allow the engine in your Silverado to cool completely. The radiator is under high pressure when the engine is at operating temperature.
Open the hood of your truck and remove the fill cap from the radiator. Locate the radiator drain plug at the base of the radiator on the driver side. The drain plug will be just up from the bottom on the engine side of the radiator.
Position a drain pan beneath the drain plug on the radiator. The pan should be large enough to hold several gallons of coolant. Use a wrench to loosen and remove the radiator drain plug.
Allow all of the coolant to drain from the system. Replace the radiator drain plug and tighten it securely. Pour clean water into the radiator until it is nearly full. Remove the radiator drain plug and allow the water to drain out. This flushes remaining debris and buildup from the radiator.
Replace the radiator drain plug and tighten it with a wrench. Fill the radiator with the coolant mixture.
Start the engine with the radiator cap off. Allow the engine to run until it reaches normal operating temperature. Add coolant as the level drops. This process works the air out of the system and replaces the air bubbles with coolant.
Allow the engine to cool completely, then top it off with coolant if necessary. Replace the radiator cap and tighten it securely.
