im going to attemp to do a flush on my coolant system today and i have read in the sticky how to backflush and get everything out but i dont have the tools for that today. im going to just take the hose off the bottom of the radiator and drain it... thats how its done right? and i was thinking since the truck will be cold its ok to run it a little to flush the entire engine out. i have never done a flush before i'd appreciate any tips.

and on this subject i bought the prestone antifreeze not the 50/50 mix (i dont see the point when you can mix it yourself ) but i was wondering would it be ok to mix it in different ratios. i was thinking a 70% water and 30% anti freeze to help cool it down a little more. is this a good idea?

thanks for all the help!
David

 

If you're going to flush it that way get the engine up to operating temperature so your thermostat opens and turn your heater on high so it flushes everything out.

 

ok im just making sure im doing everything right. i dont want to mess anything up! couldnt afford to haha

 

As long as you've got your water hose at the top of the radiator flowing water through there while it's running, you won't hurt anything. And remember, you'll still have a little bit of plain water left in the system when you shut the engine off that you won't be able to drain out, so the 70/30 mix may end up being more like 80/20. It will cool better, but if there's ever a problem like your thermostat getting stuck closed, it will also boil over faster.

 

If your going to mix your own make sure you use pureified water. All the crap in regular tap water will cause rust and other build up in your cooling system. Thats why a pre mix is better to use.

 

oh i forgot about that. so purified water is that like the stuff you put in batteries with no minerals and stuff.

 

Yes Sir.. Its also known as distilled...............

 

Also make sure that the coolant is LOW SILICATE.

Purified water can be:
*Distilled
*DI (De Ionized)
*RO (Reverse Osmosis)

Unless your area water has an unusually high mineral content I think it would be ok to use regular tap water, it is not like you are not starting up a boiler.

I have to keep a supply of Distilled water on hand for the liquid cooling system on my computer.

Now would be a good tome to install a Coolant Filter.

Jim

 

coolant filter sounds like a good idea! when i have the time i will do a good flush like you did jim! haha if only my truck was that nice!

hey does anyone know about the coolant additive dc4 or something like that? my dad said something like it protects the cylinder walls?

thanks for all the help!

 

In CA there really isn't a reason to go over 50/50 with the coolant mix. Really thick mixes can actually make you run hotter cause the Anti-freeze won't absorb heat from the engine as well as water. I run about 65% anti-freeze up here but I have to deal with temps down to -50*F or colder....

I've never had a problem with tap water. Just change it on a regular basis like every 2 years or so....