Radiator fluid is the lifeblood of an automobile's cooling system. Unfortunately, excessively old coolant can lead to such unwanted problems as leaks, corrosion, and overheating. Periodically flushing your radiator is the best way to protect yourself against these issues. If you would like to improve your home mechanic skills, read on. This article will teach you how to flush your car's radiator.
Determine the location of the radiator.
Never attempt to flush a radiator immediately after using your car; the heat generated by the engine presents too great a risk of burns. Let the car cool down for a few hours, and then pop the hood. Most radiators are positioned at the front of the car. The horizontal metal slats that run up and down along the radiator should make it easy to find. Identifying the radiator from the top will make it easier to locate the petcock once beneath the car.
Identify the petcock beneath your car.
The purpose of the petcock is best summarized by its alternative name: the fluid release valve. When pulled downward, the valve opens up, allowing you to drain your old radiator fluid into an appropriate drainage receptacle. This receptacle should be able to hold around two gallons of fluid. It's also helpful if it has a lid, as this will allow you to transport the old coolant to a nearby mechanic for disposal without spilling any.
Be aware that, in order to work comfortably beneath your car, you may need to raise up the front end using a jack. Also be sure to don a pair of work gloves before opening up your petcock; coolant isn't the kind of substance you want to get all over your hands. Then, with your drainage pan in place, pull down on the petcock and let the coolant dribble out.
Flush additional fluid from the radiator.
It takes more than one drainage cycle to fully remove the coolant from your radiator. In fact, the initial drainage once you've opened your petcock accounts for a mere 40-45% of the coolant in your vehicle. In order to get rid of the rest, it will be necessary to flush out the radiator using water. Before undertaking this simple process, be sure to push the petcock back into place.
Now open up your radiator's coolant tank and use your garden hose to fill it up all the way with water. Then turn on your car and let it run for a few minutes. This will cause the water to circulate through the radiator system, diluting the water that remains. Then head back beneath your car and open up the petcock again. Repeating this process two or three more times should be enough to entirely remove your old coolant. All you have to do now is fill your tank back up with fresh coolant and you should be good to go.
For more information, contact R N S Service or a similar company.
