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Ho do I completely drain the cooling system?


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jamextras
New User

Apr 22, 2012, 6:13 AM

Post #1 of 3 (2447 views)
Ho do I completely drain the cooling system? Sign In

I just recently bought another 96 Blazer and the previous owner left a partial jug of green coolant in the back. I must assume that he's been topping the truck off with it. The problem is, when I when to back flush the the heater core, red coolant came out. What i need to know is how do I completely drain, Flushand clean every single hose, tube and passage way the coolant sees during its circuit. I, and I'm sure many others would greatly appreciate comprehensive step-by-step insructions on how to do this. So far I've only been able to find summaries of this with no mention of the drain plugs on the engine itself (or their location) and how-tos on just flushing the radiator or heater core. Complete step-by-step instructions would be a serious help. Thanks
1996 Chevy Blazer
4.3L V-6
201000 miles


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

Apr 22, 2012, 7:32 AM

Post #2 of 3 (2425 views)
Re: Ho do I completely drain the cooling system? Sign In

You're trying to turn something as simple as lunch into a complicated 3 day process. Flushing a cooling system isn't rocket science. It really depends on what kind of problem that you are trying to cure. If you just want to get all the old coolant out, they make an exchange machine that connects to the upper radiator hose. If you have a heater core that is plugged up, you can try disconnecting the heater hoses and flushing it with a garden hose but you will probably end up replacing the core. Same goes for the radiator. If you have a rusted and sludged up system, you may never get it clean and if you do, you will create some new leaks in the process as the sludge that is covering them is washed away.



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zmame
Veteran / Moderator
zmame profile image

Apr 22, 2012, 7:33 AM

Post #3 of 3 (2422 views)
Re: Ho do I completely drain the cooling system? Sign In

Flush machine would be ideal, but since your at home it's not really an option.

Drain the cooling system and leave the valve open.
Flush out the rad with water
fill the rad with water with the valve open enough for decent flow.
Start the truck and run till at operating temp
The water will look clear until the the truck gets to temp then the thermostat will open and you will see it change color
Run for about 20 mins at operating temp
shut truck off and drain.
The block will be full of water now.
Add about 3/4 of a jug of straight coolant, then add 50/50 mixed.
Run truck again to operating temp with cap off to let air escape.
Put cap on test drive and re-check level and strength.






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