slonny

I have 2011 Chevy HHR LT with 71,000 miles. According to the readings on coolant tester coolant is still in very good condition. Service manual says the following: Engine cooling system drain, flush, and refill - 150k mi/or every five years.

Considering that the car is 5 years old, is it a necessary to do all of the following?

Thanks,

Oleg

firemangeorge

Well, the owners manual or GM recommends it. Why not adhere to what they say ?
Once every 5 years is not "over kill" by any means. Preventative maintenance is always a good idea.

whopper

Well, it does say EVERY FIVE YEARS doesn't it? So the answer is "yes".

Keep in mind that a coolant tester only indicates the freezing point, but does not indicate how the coolants chemical makeup has deteriorated over time (anti-corrosion, lubrication additives etc.).

Oldblue

Yes and use Dexcool!! Not the green stuff!! It tends to mess up sensors and doesn't play well with internal aluminum parts!
And change the. thermostat with a 180 degree GM one , yes I know it's alittle more but the original tends to eat its own diaphragm at about 5 years old!!

donbrew

DexCool turns to mush in 5 years. It is not miles it is a 5 year shelf life(period). Even if a jug has been sitting on a store shelf for 5 years, it is bad.

slonny

Is there a special procedure I have to follow on HHR? I would really dislike to take the car to a nearby dealer to take care of something I can do on my own.

Thermostat replacement: https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/how-tutorial-library-21/how-save-$350-00-thermostat-replacement-2-4l-p0128-24493/

Taken from: https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/main...09/#post624449

1) drain the radiator
The thread above explains where to find the drain plug

2) drain the block
I don't understand this one

3) refill with the correct amount/type/concentration of coolant
I could only find this: Engine coolant capacity:8.2 liter / 8.7 U.S. qt / 7.2 imp. qt

Prestone Dex-Cool Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant Quickfill, 1-Gallon - Walmart.com

4) make sure that you burp the system to remove air pockets.

Is it safe to use the following method for flushing:
Let me know if I missed anything.

donbrew

Answered your own questions; wasn't that easy?

Oldblue

I'm ready for a cold one! Just let me wash up!

slonny

Does it make a difference which thermostat I get. I found this one (Duralast/Thermostat 4698- ReadReviews onDuralast #4698) at local AutoZone for $20.

RJ_RS_SS_350

Stick with ACDelco. Aftermarket thermostats can cause problems. See post #4.