Cooling System: Service and Repair

WARNING: With a pressurized cooling system, the coolant temperature in the radiator can be considerably higher than file boiling point of the solution at atmospheric pressure. Removal of the surge tank cap, while the cooling system is hot and under High pressure, causes the solution to boil instantaneously with explosive force. This will cause the solution to spew out over the engine, the fenders and the person removing the cap. Serious bodily injury may result.

NOTE: The use of sealing pellets (or similar compounds) in the coolant system is NOT recommended. The use of sealing pellets may restrict the flow of coolant through the throttle body or other engine cooling system components.

CAUTION: If the procedure below is not followed a low or high coolant level condition and/or vehicle damage could result.

1. Park the vehicle on a level surface.
2. Follow the steps below to remove the radiator surge tank fill cap: Slowly rotate the cap counterclockwise. Stop and allow the hissing to stop. After all hissing stops, continue turning counterclockwise to remove the cap.
3. Open the radiator drain cock.
4. Allow the system to drain completely.
5. Inspect the engine coolant:
^ Discolored-follow the flush procedure.
^ Normal in appearance-Continue with the next step.
6. Close the radiator drain cock.
7. Fill the system through the radiator surge tank opening up to the base of the neck.
8. Start the engine.
9. Idle engine for 1 minute.
10. Install radiator surge tank cap.
11. Cycle the RPM, idle to 3000 in 30 seconds intervals until engine coolant reaches 99°C (210°F).
12. Shut off the engine.
13. Refer to step 3 above to remove the radiator surge tank cap.
14. Start the engine.
15. Idle engine for 1 minute and fill surge tank to 1/2 " above COLD FULL mark on the radiator surge tank.
16. Install the radiator surge tank cap.
17. Cycle the RPM, idle to 3000 in 30 seconds intervals until engine coolant reaches 99°C (210°F).
18. Shut off the engine.
19. Top off coolant as necessary, 1/2" above FULL COLD mark on the radiator surge tank.
20. Rinse away any excess coolant from the engine and the compartment.
21. Inspect the concentration of the coolant.