slantram

Okay, I drained the radiator and pulled the water pump drain- but I only got about 5 quarts out of it. What gives? The service manual says 7.9 quarts. Thanks, slantram.

firemangeorge

Don't know. Which one do you have ?

Cooling System
2.0L Engine 9.2 qt
2.2L Engine 7.4 qt
2.4L Engine with Automatic Transmission 8.5 qt
2.4L Engine with Manual Transmission 8.7 qt

donbrew

Did you remove the t-stat first.

Plus, I think the recovery bottle accounts for about a quarter-half gallon.

slantram

I have the 2.4 / auto trans. My 2007 service manual says 7.9 quarts. It says NOTHING about removing the t-stat first in my manual.

donbrew

The t-stat blocks the flow. It is a circuit, if there is a block in the circuit......

Sorry about the manual, they must be assUming.

I think the service manual (at least the 2006 MY) only covers the official coolant exchange method.

geg

about half of the volume of fluid in the radiator.
The second half or a little less - in the engine cooling ducts, piping, etc.

slantram

My manual gives a "Static Fill"-drain the radiator and water pump. Don't quite understand the Tstat blockage thing. the Tstat is just a thermostatic valve between the block and the radiator, not a separate circuit.

donbrew

That's the point. NOT a separate circuit.
But, anyway don't agonize over it. Once you flush it all the old stuff will be gone, and the flushing instructions do include remove t-stat.

Blue_SS

This is correct. However, when the engine is cold, this valve is closed, blocking flow of coolant from the engine back to the radiator. I think you got good advice on everything else, though. The flush will get the rest of it.

Oh, and make sure your hoses and clamps are good before re-filling. You don't want one to let go right after you've done all this...