Draining Procedure
- Place a drain pan under the radiator drain cock.
- Place the end of the tube in the drain pan.
- After the engine cools down, remove the radiator cap or surge tank cap.
- Using a 1/4 in drive, completely open the radiator drain cock.
- Allow the coolant to drain from the system until the flow stops.
- Place a drain pan under the block drain hole plug.
- Remove the drain hole plug from the engine block.
- Allow the coolant to drain from the block until the flow stops. There may be more drainage from the radiator at this time.
- Install the block drain hole plug(s).
- Apply sealant GM P/N 12346004 (Canadian P/N 10953480) or equivalent to all drain plugs.
- Close the radiator drain cock.
Caution: Under pressure, the temperature of the solution in the radiator can be considerably higher, without boiling. Removing the radiator cap while the engine is hot (pressure is high), will cause the solution to boil instantaneously, with explosive force. The solution will spew out over the engine, fenders, and the person removing the cap. Serious bodily injury may result. Flammable antifreeze, such as alcohol, is not recommended for use at any time. Flammable antifreeze could cause a serious fire.
Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
Tighten
Tighten the drain plug(s) to 60 N·m (44 lb ft).
Filling Procedure
- Ensure that the radiator drain cock is closed.
- Ensure that the block drain hole plug is tight.
- Add the DEX-COOL® to the radiator, then add clean drinkable water to the cooling system. If you use the old coolant, ensure that the solution is clean and clear, and that the solution is a 50/50 mixture of glycol and water.
- Place a large top funnel in the radiator filler neck or surge tank.
- Slowly pour in the coolant. Because the thermostat is closed, filling the cooling system may be slow.
- After you fill the cooling system to 13 mm (0.5 in) below the radiator filler neck for Gas Engines or to the full mark on the surge tank for Diesel Engines, start the engine and let the cooling system warm up. When the thermostat opens, the coolant level may drop. If the level drops, add coolant as needed.
- Install the radiator or surge tank cap.
- Inspect the coolant level in the coolant recovery reservoir for Gas Engines or the surge tank for Diesel Engines. Add coolant as needed.
Notice: When adding coolant, use DEX-COOL® coolant. If silicated coolant is added to the system, premature engine, heater core or radiator corrosion may result. In addition, the engine coolant will require change sooner-at 50 000 km (30,000 mi) or 24 months.
