Coolant Change Options

[U-96]

The coolant change procedure from the owners manual sounds a bit esoteric:
...
3. ...Then, following the manufacturer's directions on the engine coolant container, add the appropriate quantity of coolant to the radiator.
4. Turn the radiator cap counterclockwise without pressing down on it, until it stops. This relieves any pressure remaining in the cooling system. And remove the radiator cap by pushing down and turning counterclockwise. Now fill the radiator with clean demineralized or distilled water. Continue to add clean demineralized or distilled water in small quantities until the fluid level stays up in the radiator neck.
5. Start the engine, top off the radiator with water and then add coolant to the reservoir until the level is between "L" and "F".

Is it really necessary to add water and coolant separately, rather than mix them in right proportion beforehand? (Not to mention that they require to add coolant to the radiator before removing radiator cap?)

Also, what coolant would you recommend? "One-of-a-kind-secret-mixture-or-else-you-lose-your-warranty" from a dealership or something else?

[montego]

you can of course mix your water and anti-freeze before you add the mixture to the radiator (do not use more than 45% anti-freeze)

all anti-freeze is standerd and will mix with any old solution except the 'red' anti-freeze. if your car has the red already in the system then you must use red to top it up and it will not mix with other types

[U-96]

That's what I thought. Thanks!

[DSHornet]

you can of course mix your water and anti-freeze before you add the mixture to the radiator (do not use more than 45% anti-freeze)

All anti-freeze is standard and will mix with any old solution except the 'red' anti-freeze. if your car has the red already in the system then you must use red to top it up and it will not mix with other types

MMM, I dunno about the 45% limit unless he lives in a warm climate, like the South or the Southeast where it rarely drops below -10 degF. In Alabama I have seen the temp get below zero Fahrenheit only two or three times, so the 45% mix would be fine for us, but not if I traveled north with it in m car, where I might see -15 degF overnight. The 50/50 mix is recommended for being prepared for any travel around the CONUS.

If he lives in New Hampshire, especially upstate (like Mt Washington, which is REALLY upstate!), he might want to make it 50% or 55%. The extra freeze protection may be needed there. If I remember the ratio table, ethylene glycol in a 50/50 mix will freeze at -34 deg F. I'm not sure about 55/45, but its freezing point is probably around -38 to -40 degF. A 55% mix may make the engine run a little warm since ethylene glycol doesn't conduct heat like pure water, so that change in the ratio shouldn't make a lot of difference, but I wouldn't go over 60% antifreeze.

Changing oil to 5W-20 for winter use might be a good idea, though. Here in the "Sunny South" I run 5W-30 Mobil 1 year round and have no problems.

[U-96]

Changed coolant yesterday. When I drained coolant, only approx half of the system capacity came out from the radiator plug - ~1 gallon instead of 7.4 qts. How do I drain the whole thing?
I did it twice (drained and filled, drove around, drained and filled again) to get at least 75% concentration of the fresh coolant. But I hope someone could educate me how to replace 100% in less time consuming manner.

There is another strange thing happens. When I drained the radiator for the first time, the recovery tank emptied as well. Second time, the recovery tank stayed filled. Anybody knows why is that and should I worry about it?

Thanks!

[hyscott]

As long as there is no air bubble in the system, and everything stays cool, I wouldn't worry about it.

[U-96]

Ok, it seems to me the question how to change all the coolant (as opposed to only ~50% that one can drain from the radiator) is the best kept secret around here... I found this question being asked several times on the forum, with no intelligible answer.

How do I join that clandestine society of people who know this sacred ritual?

This post has been edited by U-96: Oct 26 2009, 07:59 AM