Maintenance and Upkeep Discussion HHR maintenance tips ranging from oil change intervals to brake pads and everything in between.

Coolant Flush - Splash Shield and Drain Valve (petc0ck)

Old Feb 8, 2020 | 09:28 AM
  #11  
donbrew's Avatar
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This site has been around since before the HHR was actually released. Oldblue and I have been reading and posting for more than 12 years; we don't recommend specific part numbers or brands lightly. I can only think of 2; t-stat, spark plugs (because DexCool and Dexron and Dexos are not brands they are specs).

When I post a link to a tool or part it is to show that it exists not to say "buy this". The drain tool I posted is one of many and I know I didn't pay anywhere near $21 for the one I got, more like $2.20. The drain plugs are are plentiful on eBay https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...Desc=0&_sop=15. And many on Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Thexton-THX473-Radiator-Pet****-Socket/dp/B01MXO0EHX/ref=sr_1_fkmr2_2?keywords=hhr+radiator+pet****+tool&qid=1581175628&sr=8-2-fkmr2 https://www.amazon.com/Thexton-THX473-Radiator-Pet****-Socket/dp/B01MXO0EHX/ref=sr_1_fkmr2_2?keywords=hhr+radiator+pet****+tool&qid=1581175628&sr=8-2-fkmr2
I have seen both in the "HELP!" section of auto parts stores.




















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Old Feb 8, 2020 | 10:49 AM
  #12  
Cat Man HHR's Avatar
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Originally Posted by donbrew
I have seen both in the "HELP!" section of auto parts stores
Just to add Dorman Products make the HELP line.
Old Feb 13, 2020 | 03:52 PM
  #13  
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I'm currently changing my coolant. I can't get a good connection to the water pump bolt to loosen it. How the heck do you do this?

It's it really necessary? I'm an hour into trying to get at it from the front of the underside of the vehicle.
Old Feb 13, 2020 | 04:11 PM
  #14  
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Better to go up from behind the right front axle , jack it up , support with a jack stand and take the tire off.



Old Feb 13, 2020 | 04:23 PM
  #15  
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Thank you. I'll go do that now. One question. I know the temp sensor bolt needs teflon tape put into the threads before inserting it back into the bolt housing. Does this bolt need teflon tape as well?

If so, would auto stores carry it?
Old Feb 13, 2020 | 04:33 PM
  #16  
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I would not use tape. Maybe some light thread lock red. The way tape works is it lubricates the threads making it easy to tighten a pipe thread more. Thread lock works by sealing the air gaps between the male and female threads.

Removing it is not all that important as long as you get the 50/50 coolant right. My recollection is that not much is held in the head.
Old Feb 13, 2020 | 04:37 PM
  #17  
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Walmart, Lowes, Home Depot, etc. It's actually a plumbing supply product. I would think the auto parts store would have it also, just never bought any there.
Old Feb 13, 2020 | 04:55 PM
  #18  
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From: Az
Originally Posted by donbrew
I would not use tape. Maybe some light thread lock red. The way tape works is it lubricates the threads making it easy to tighten a pipe thread more. Thread lock works by sealing the air gaps between the male and female threads.

Removing it is not all that important as long as you get the 50/50 coolant right. My recollection is that not much is held in the head.


Well, I got it off, and there is some white gunk on it. This isn't tape, something else. The how to posted in the previous replies called it pipe dope.
Old Feb 13, 2020 | 05:18 PM
  #19  
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pipe dope is the plumbing equivalent of lock-tite.
Old Feb 13, 2020 | 06:03 PM
  #20  
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You can get a small tube of Teflon pipe thread sealant(dope) at the hardware store.

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