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.

 

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

 

Did you remove the t-stat first.

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

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...