RICK167448

Hi! I own a 2007 LS with 33,000 miles on it. I just changed the thermostat, drained/flushed and refilled the cooling system. If you have any questions about this process I would be happy to answer them.

kornellred

Did you perform this service because you felt it was necessary, or are you a believer in preventive maintenance? From the appearance of the drained coolant, did it look as though you made a wise decision?

RICK167448

I performed this service because I believe in preventative maintenance. The coolant looked good, so I replaced in for "peace of mind". But, I did see a noticeable difference in the amount of heat, and the speed in which it was produced, by replacing the thermostat. I purchased the following products at Wal-Mart for the coolant replacement:

(3.) gallons of distilled water

(1.) gallon of Prestone Dex Cool Extended Life (150,000 mile) antifreeze. (The type that allows you to add one gallon of distilled water to it to make two gallons of antifreeze with a freeze protection rating of -34 degrees.)

(1.) 12 ounce bottle of Prestone Radiator Flush

(1.) 12 ounce bottle of Prestone Antifreeze/Water Pump Lubricant

The insturctions for use are on each product. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

solman98

I'm getting ready to do mine soon. Been told there is no drain for the radiator, haven't looked personally yet. Can you verify one way or the other?

whopper

Hey solman. The drain petco*k for the rad is on the backside of the rad, at the bottom, on the passengers side. You can't likely see it from up top, but if you feel around from the top, you will find it. If I remember right, the grip for is is kinda like the old wind-up keys they used to use for old toys.

It is made of plastic, and is apparently fragile according to ChevyMgr, so don't go using pliers on it etc..

solman98

Well that's good to hear. Using a drain is always cleaner than just popping off the lower hose.

barfan1

I am planning on doing the coolant service also and would like to know how you re-filled your system and if you had any problems with trapped air. Really, any info on making the job easier would be appreciated.

RICK167448

I refilled the system by removing the pressurized radiator cap and pouring coolant into the opening until it was full. I did not have any problem with trapped air or "air pockets".

After I replaced the coolant I took the car for a 20 mile drive. Parked the car overnight, checked the coolant resevoir in the morning, saw that I needed to add some coolant, added some coolant, and it has not needed any coolant since since. That was about 6 weeks and 1500 miles ago. I hope that I have answered your question correctly. If not, please feel free to recontact me. Have a great day!

hyperv6

One trick you can use to fill is park the car on a hill with the radiator fill at the higest point. Or put it up on a jack stand. keeping the radiator opening high will let the air go to the highest point and out of the system.

It is a old trick guys with mid engine car use to get the air out of their systems. I learned it from an old Lotus mechanic and use it on my Fiero. It gets the air out really well.

Also as for Water Pump lube. Anti Freeze has it in it already and you really do not need to add it if you are changing fluid. Also I have seen some of them mess the hoses up and make them soft. The Delco was the worst.

Also the seal on the pumps go out more from wear than anything. Lube really has little effect on it.

One thing I would do at 100,000+ miles and with the fluid out is change the hoses. It is a good time to do this since the system is drained.