Changing Radiator coolant

[Megaman]

Hi gents,

Sorry for the noob question here, feel embarrassed asking but here goes.

I'm looking at changing my coolant on my VC with a black 304, 3 core radiator.

Can any one give me some step by step guides on doing this properly with these motors?

What time of coolant do you guys use?

[swampy]

hi
Beaware if u do it incorrectly your engine might/will overheat ....................

USE LOKTITE FLUSH COMPOUND ,,DRIVE AS PER INSTRUCTIONS

NB radiator will need removal after flushing if core / coolant is dirty. Rad will NEED PROFESSIONAL service

REVERSE FLUSH SYSTEM
remove thermostat
Remove top hose from rad end
insert flushing adapter connect hose and supply with water and 15lbs air pressure
water will flow out bottom hose

REVERSE FLUSH RAD
remove bottom hose from water pump and connect adapter same as above
flush thru water and air

Reverse Flush heater core
same as above connect to outlet hose

Unless hoses and thermostat are fairly new replace
use only tridon/repco Stainless clamps
Use Valvoline G05 HYbrid coolant .Either use premix bottles or Mix with distilled water 50/50

Pressure test cooling system and check for leaks
Test rad cap or just replace

check engine fan
check fan belt

[Megaman]

Hi Swampy,

Thanks for the detailed reply.

I realized I was asking the wrong question so I edited the post.


I'm just after a guide on replacing the coolant in the radiator/motor.

It should be a simple dump it all from the bottom radiator hose job. Is there a plug on the motor to remove the rest or should I just have the motor running until it gets most out? Tighten the hose back up, open the radiator cap (whilst the engine is cold) fill the radiator up with coolant (you suggested Valvoline G05 HYbrid coolant so I'll take a look at that).

How many litres does it take?

Once poured in, start the motor and let it suck it all through, determine if I need more coolant if the level is not at the radiator neck level? Once done filled up, let it idle until all the air is out and then bobs your uncle?

[EH179]

You will need to flush all remains of the old coolant out, before adding the new.
Remove the Thermostat and the top hose from the radiator end.
Start engine and have a garden hose filling the radiator whilst the old coolant runs out the top hose.

This will take a few minutes but once you have clean water coming out you should be good.

Mixing different brands of coolant is not a good idea, hence the flushing.
Others may disagree with my method, but i have been doing this shit for over 40 years.

Also use a funnel in the radiator when refilling and get the front end up on ramps, it helps.

[swampy]

hi

Mixing coolant shortens its life drastically . In systems I cannot flush I drain and refill with distilled water and drive for 1/2 hr 3 times .Then drain and refill with premix 50/50 of coolant and distilled.

4 types of coolant
1/ rust inhibitor
2/glycol
3/hybrid offers all modern advantages
4/ OATS organic acid technology ,, can eat some gaskets in older cars

Old coolant can form/ be acidic , leave deposits,basically nothing good happens from using old coolant

[immortality]

Lets ask the most pertinent question, do you need coolant/anti-freeze or just a corrosion inhibitor?

Unless you live in a place where you see sub-zero temperatures you don't need a anti-freeze, just a corrosion inhibitor will do nicely

[GtoGeoff]

I have been using Clean Team coolant, made here in NSW. Support Aussies, not multinationals. It comes pre-mixed, so you know it has the correct water. Not sure if it has anti freeze, as I don't need it where I live. Couple of types available, such as long life.

[Megaman]

Yea, support the local aussies first.

I just need to piss off this old coolant and replace it with some fresh coolant. I’ll take off the thermostat housing and get a hose up it’s nostrils and flush it.

Clean team coolant I can’t seem to find here and the same goes with Valvoline recommended a few posts up. Any other coolant recommendations from Supercheap or repco? Premixed ideally, anti freeze is not required but fine.

Cheers

[immortality]

I run this stuff, Penrite 10 TENTHS RACE COOLANT INHIBITOR

I just drain and flush the cooling system a couple of times with water and then add the concentrate and call it good.

[swampy]

hi
Ideally after flushing with tap water flush and refill 2-3x with distilled water , driving between changes . Why, tap water has an imbalance of chemicals and it varies city to city . The imbalance can degrade new coolant B4 its specified service interval ie shorter life .

[Megaman]

Thanks guys, will circulate distilled water through the system after removing the coolant. Probably some of this



https://www.repco.com.au/en/globes-b...tilled%20water

[swampy]

HI
Distilled water is best ----boil off and recapture condensation
demineralised is **just sometimes** filtered as the name suggests ie removing the debris but not always!!

Either way can be had at Coles in 2-3ltr jugs for around 1$ / ltr
--- You will need approx fill and drop each time 8 --10 ltrs x2

REFILLING A WET BLOCK
1/ 1 LTR of concentrate [this mixes with the remaining distilled water left inside eng block ]
2/ then fill with a 50/50mix of coolant /distilled water

[Megaman]

Thanks Swampy, off to Coles I go. Repco and the likes don't have distilled water.

[immortality]

I guess I'm fortunate that our tap water is very soft water.

[guy incognito]

Put a filter in your top hose, drive for half an hour and check it and then tell me that tap water isn't good enough.