Winter fluid changes to prepare for Spring!

[1BADAIR]

pull the drain plug in the block

[wyat5357]

I finished the "flush" on my camaro a few hours ago. After doing it on my winter truck last week I knew to:
1. attach a small hose and drain the radiator
2. once drained, close the plug and then fill the radiator back up with hose water
2. next, let the engine idle for 10 minutes or so with the heat on full blast (as long as it takes for the thermostat to open up, constantly adding more water to the radiator until it takes no more. I had already disconnected the coolant reservoir and had cleaned that out, but never re-connected it until I was completely done.
3. then open the drain valve until only clear water drains out (meanwhile adding hose water to compensate for the water loss while draining)
4. turn off the engine
5. open the drain valve and drain the water from the system
6. add 50/50 mix of dex-cool and distilled water

With all that said, I only drained about 6 quarts from step #1 and added about the same in step #6 (including reservoir). (and not much else came out during the flush (unlike that with my 2001 dakota). i know the 99+ ls1 cooling system's capacity is 12 quarts. I am guessing I didn't get near that because I did not use the drain plugs?! Then again, I am not sure the last time the flush was done, but the car only has 18k miles so its not terrible.

[Lucky SOB]

I'm pretty sure Royal Purple has the additive in it. Don't quote me on it. It would be worth checking into. The additive is to allow slippage. Without it, you can have premature wear

So.... what you're saying is I'm fine with what I did right?

Next question: When a shop flushes the coolant, do they pressurize the system? I've done it before by the methods previously mentioned, but it seems like to get it good and clean you'd want more pressure than the water pump supplies?

EDIT: Talked to she shop that was working on my truck today and they said not to flush the system with any pressure, just remove the t-stat housing and t-stat and throw a garden hose in the radiator and let it flush out from the t-stat opening

[steddy]

I'm pretty sure Royal Purple has the additive in it. Don't quote me on it. It would be worth checking into. The additive is to allow slippage. Without it, you can have premature wear

And a LOT of ugly noises. Sounds like the rear end is going to come out from under the car.

[wyat5357]

And a LOT of ugly noises. Sounds like the rear end is going to come out from under the car.

even with the Torsen rear? Do you think the brand of additive makes much of a difference here?