Flushing out the Dexcool

[JoeinMN]

Hi guys, new to this site. I've already found it to have great info!!!

I'm replacing my intake manifold gaskets, upper and lower, and would like to flush the dexcool out of my engine once I get it back together.

What is the best way to flush the dexcool out? One thing I should mention is that the drain valve on my radiator is broken off. It doesn't leak, but I can't open it. I pulled the lower rad hose to drain the system for the intake job. In the old days we used to install a T in one of the heater hoses, hook it up to the garden hose, and let the old antifreeze run out the top of the radiator. Can this still be done?

Thanks!!

[BillBoost37]

Flush first.. not after.

Way I do it is to remove the lower hose from the radiator. Drain cockhole never works. Which is why it's called names. Then use a hose and flush every which way.

You do realize the Dex wasn't the reason your gaskets went bad...right?

[jlgp2007nc]

Do not install a T. They make a special flush for newer vehicles you can find on most shelves at parts stores. There's one where I think you pull the lower hose, fill it with water and the flush, let it run 5-6mins.. drain fill and fill with water again.

[jlgp2007nc]

They also have replacement petcocks there. I don't remember How difficult it is to remove the broken one.

[JoeinMN]

Thanks guys, I've already got it torn down so I'll have to flush after I get it back together.

I think my uim gasket was fine. The lower seemed to be leaking oil at the ends, and perhaps a bit of antifreeze. I just got the car and thought I'd try to stay ahead of the problems. Also doing VC gaskets and tune up parts.

[Scottydoggs]

the way i flushed my car last was to.

pull the lower hose off the engine, its easier to take off. dum the fluid, take the upper hose off the rad, fill from that side and while holding the hose end covered, fill the rad and let it dump out full speed, do this a few times.

remove the t stat, put the hose and housing back on, put the lower hose back on the engine, fill with water, now take the upper hose and push it down into a bucket or pan. start the car with the hose on and in the rad, run the car till clear water come out the upper hose.

then shut it off, pull the lower hose again to drain the water, put the t stat back on and clamp all hoses back on. i just dump 1 gall of full strength antifreeze in the rad and top it off with water, bleed the air. and done, the coolant will mix all on its own.

[matt5112]

T works better.

Dont install in your hose, add some to the system with the t.