Flushing the engine and radiator is a preventative perpetuation procedure that should be performed at least every two dotage. It is a event of age rather than milage. The antifreeze has the knack to prevent rust in the engine, which is make-believe of hurl iron. Pitch iron is inured to rusting rapidly whether there is bagatelle to prevent it. Flushing the engine and gets rid of all the scale and lime deposits.
Significance
Flushing the engine and radiator Testament extend the being of the radiator, the heater core and any metal damp lines, such as heater lines. Flushing cleans the cores in the radiator to garner a higher quality flow. It besides helps to rid the cooling method of lime deposits that Testament eat outside at the components in the cooling system. It protects the water pump and the gaskets as well as the freeze plugs.
Facts
The most common antifreeze for years was a green color, like Zerex and Prestone. Green antifreeze actually begins to become corrosive after two years and does more harm then good. The newer type of antifreeze called Dexcool is an orange color and used in most new cars. It does not turn corrosive in time and also gives better lubrication to the water pump, resulting in longer service of the water pump.
Time Frame
With the green type of antifreeze, the recommended time between flushing it out is two years. When flushing a cooling system, flush should be used first, then let the engine run for 10 minutes before letting the engine cool off. The orange Dexcool antifreeze is said to be permanent although auto technicians agree that they do not trust leaving it in more than three years.
Procedure
Install one can of cooling system flush to the radiator and start the car. Let it run until it reaches its normal operating temperature. Shut the car off and let it cool for 20 minutes.
Benefits
When this service is accomplished in a timely and professional manner, the cooling system will be much more effective. It will increase the life of the water pump and the cooling to the cylinder head. This procedure cleans out the lime buildup in the cylinder head at the cooling ports where lime and any foreign particles always seem to accumulate. Remove the top radiator hose and point it down toward the ground.Fill the radiator with water and start the engine and let it warm up. As it reaches its normal operating temperature the thermostat will open and water will begin to come out of the top hose. When the water starts to flow from the top hose keep a garden hose in the radiator with the water on. The fresh water from the hose will go through the radiator, the engine, the heater core and back out the top hose. When the water coming from the top hose looks clear shut the engine off and turn the water off. Remove the bottom radiator hose and drain all the water. Install the hose again and tighten it. Install the top hose and tighten. Fill the radiator with two gallons of antifreeze. When the engine is cold the thermostat is closed so it will not be possible to fill the engine all the way until the thermostat opens. Fill the radiator as far as possible with the antifreeze and fill the overfill bottle with the same. Let the car run until operating temperature is reached. When this happens the thermostat will open and water will start to flow and the radiator fluid level will go down. Fill the radiator the rest of the way with the remainder of the antifreeze and water to top it off. Install the radiator cap.
Put a drain pan under the radiator and drain the antifreeze with either the petcock or by taking the bottom radiator hose off. Dispose of the antifreeze properly. Tighten the petcock or the hose.
This will also increase the life of the radiator by cleaning out the center core. Another point of interest, it also extends the life of the transmission by supplying better cooling at the transmission cooler.
