2007 hhr, 27000 miles, is it time to change the coolant and if so is there a drain spot or do I need to take it for a radiator flush. Thanks for any info.

Jim

 

Way to early for a change unless you are doing a thermostat or changing out a hose....

Mike

 

If it is Orange (DexCool) no need to change until 125,000, but mandatory then.

But yes, radiator drain on passenger side bottom plastic screw thingy, there is also a plug on the water pump for block draining.

 

If I recall correctly, the owners manual lists the mileage as 150,000 for a cooling system service.

 

Mileage wise it is too soon to need it. However my manual also says that it should be done every five years also if you have not reached the mileage. For an 07 it is nearing the 5 year mark. I don't have an answer to your question on the drain but I did ask my oil change guy if he could do it and he told me that the dealership actually flushes the passages through the block and that he only did the radiator. Ask your place what their procedure is first.

 

Yes its hitting the five year mark this may. We just dont drive it too often now that the wife doesn't work. Again thanks.

 

As donbrew says: There is a drain plug on backside of the rad, on the passengers side, at the bottom of the rad. You likely can't see it from up top, and it's a &itch to see from the bottom.

But if you reach down from the top, you can find it by feel. Like Don says, it's a screwy thing - kinda shaped like a key for a wind-up toy.

It's made of plastic, so just use fingers to loosen/retighten it. If you have to use pliers to loosen it, be VERY careful not to break it.

After 5 years, I'd change it, as the manual states it's mileage (150,000M or 240,000Km) or 5 years, whichever comes first.

 

Your guy doesn't want to look for the plug on the water pump. But the Dealer is "supposed" to have a machine that replaces the coolant, that machine is available to any shop that wants to buy it. I saw one on Craig's list last month in my local area.

If you are dead set on doing it, go right ahead, it won't hurt anything!

To do it yourself; 1) drain the radiator 2) drain the block 3) refill with the correct amount/type/concentration of coolant 4) make sure that you burp the system to remove air pockets.

You would probably be smart to change the T-stat at the same time, at 27,000 miles it should not need flushing. Look at the coolant that you remove, if it has lumps in it you may have other problems related to overheating.

 

Good tip on the thermostat Donbrew At that age, it is worthwhile changing.

Also, when draining and flushing, if you run the engine to circulate the clean water through the system, make darn sure you do not let the water level drop below the level of the water pump, which lets the water pump run dry. It only takes a second or two for the water pump seals to fry when they run dry. If that happens, you will find your water pump leaking within a short time.

I made that mistake once - cost me a new water pump on a bike - now I drain, refill, start engine, and let it circulate, shut off, - repeating as necessary untill the drained fluid comes nice and clean.

 

Change frequency is as I understand it, 150,000 miles, or five years, whichever comes first.