Engine cooling system drain, flush, and refill
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: 07-20-2016
Posts: 169
From: LA, CA
Engine cooling system drain, flush, and refill
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
Considering that the car is 5 years old, is it a necessary to do all of the following?
Thanks,
Oleg
Platinum Member
Joined: 04-09-2006
Posts: 7,043
From: Vancouver, BC, Canada
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.).
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.).
Administrator
Joined: 10-13-2011
Posts: 40,083
From: Welland,Ont Canada
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!!
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!!
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: 07-20-2016
Posts: 169
From: LA, CA
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.
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.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: 07-20-2016
Posts: 169
From: LA, CA
Does it make a difference which thermostat I get. I found this one (Duralast/Thermostat 4698- ReadReviews onDuralast #4698) at local AutoZone for $20.
