How to Properly Flush Radiator Coolant
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- Опубліковано 30 лип 2024
- Flushing your own radiator coolant can save you money. Find out how to do-it-yourself in this week's episode of Saturday Mechanic.
In this episode, Popular Mechanics' Associate Auto Editor Ben Wojdyla:
* Properly drains the coolant
* Flushes and refills the coolant
* Explains how to mix new coolant
* Instructs how to properly dispose of old coolant
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Who says you can't work on your own car anymore? Follow Popular Mechanics associate auto editor Ben Wojdyla as he leads viewers, step by step, through repairs, upgrades, and troubleshooting tips. Got car questions? Email Ben, and he may answer them on the show. - Розваги
Thanks for the realistic hose removal and resulting mess!
Good video. Wouldn't hurt to mention that this is a good time to inspect and replace swelled or worn looking hoses, cap, and even thermostat
Thank you so much! Very clearly filmed and explained and saved me a whole heap of money.
How do I get one of those lifts that plays the cool music while you raising the car up and bringing it down again?
anyone else think that these demonstrations should demonstrate the hell of not having a lift?
If you have a short car.
Total convenience with that lift
The lift is important for filming. Without it people would likley complain that they aren't able to see what is being filmed.
Hello. I was wondering if you can help me out. I replaced a radiator from a Chrysler 300 and the water is not going into the radiator
Maria Corona
Can you explain your problem a little more.
First, make sure your car's engine temperature is cold. If your Chrysler has a radiator cap it will most likely be silver and located on the top of the radiator. That is where you add 50/50 concentration of water and coolant. If you don't have a radiator cap, your car will have a clear/amber colored reservoir tank similar to the one in this video and that is where you add the coolant mixture to the level indicated on the reservoir tank. Whomever installed the new radiator should have filled it to the proper level before allowing the car to be driven.
Ive always used hose and flushed radiator and heater core and then added prestone 50/50. I don't get rust, the freeze plugs do not let go etc. I think folks get too crazy sometimes. Great video with very good guidance.
Good job brother you handled yourself very well delivered some good information and in a very professional manner thank you.
Thanks guy. Just finished an 01 chevy blazer. Saved me a ton of money!
It’s a good video. Thanks. Like the reminder that anti freeze is toxic to wildlife and dispose of it properly.
It also reminds me that if I had a lift in my garage- I probably wouldn’t take my car for service anywhere until my old cold crooked hand couldn’t hold a wrench.
I've flushed a few cooling systems in my time. I've found the most efficient way takes a little more work. The system can be flushed with your garden hose with the thermostat removed. Close the system back up temporarily, after thermostat removal, disconnect the upper radiator hose & run water continuously into the radiator while the engine is running. When clear water comes from the disconnected hose, the job is done. Install a new thermostat & gasket, drain radiator & fill with full strength antifreeze. You can't flush the cooling system freely with a thermostat installed because it stops the water flow till the water reaches operating temperature.
Remove thermostat in some cars is a headache
Or you can buy a flush n fill kit. Install the flush/fill tee into the heater core hose (usually on the fire wall). It comes with a back-flow preventer coupler that attaches to the tee that you installed on the heater core hose. Also comes with a splash deflector to be put on the radiator or overflow tank. Start and run engine with garden hose on and attached to the tee, till water runs clear from the splash deflector. Prestone sells these. By having the engine warmed up, with heat blowing full blast the thermostat is open. You'll get a full flush...cheap and easy
Nonsense you don’t remove thermostat because a lot of cars you need new gaskets it’s a B/S job you run the car up to operating temp which opens the thermostat with engine running you flush the system
Perfect! That was good educational video.
thank you your vídeo is very helpful,I done a few times this process all in VW vehicles,learned in Haynes manual,question,which coolant non vw I can pour in my b5?,thank you!!!
always pre-mix concentrate, or the heavier coolant concentrate will sit at the bottom of your rad and not properly mix with the water which can lead to many problems. Also don't forgot to bleed your coolant system after you have refilled. Easiest way is to get your fill point (expansion tank or rad cap) higher than the rest of the coolant system and let the engine idle with the cap off, let it run for about 15-20 minutes with your heaters on max (so it bleeds the heater matrix also) and top up as necessary. you will probably get allot of bubbles and the odd spurt out the cap but don't worry about it. when it settles and you have a nice stable coolant level you should be good to go.
alex w i
How is this possible? The coolant mixture circulates through the engine which would eventually force everything to mix. Also, if what you said is true, coolant and water would be a heterogeneous mixture and if the car wasn't run for a long time, coolant would separate and settle to the bottom of the radiator anyways. Seems like an old mechanics tale that has no basis in truth.
If you drain coolant, fill with distilled water and run the engine, drain, refill with distilled water, run engine, drain, repeat until the coolant is completely clear (water). Then when you fill up with 50/50 coolant wouldn't all the extra distilled water in the heater core, engine block, etc, bring the ratio down to 25% coolant, 75% water? So then, if you drain the new coolant, and add 50/50 mix the second time... The ratio would be at about 37% coolant and 63% water?
Since only about half of the total cooling system actually drains wouldn't adding a straight anti-freeze be wise? Then all the water inside the engine, heater core, block, etc would mix with the anti-freeze and give around the 50/50 mark?
My car is a 2002 Bonneville, and the capacity is stated as 10 quarts, about only 5 quarts drains from the radiator.
Google point. I suppose the more accurate way would be to use a coolant tester and learn your own car. Every engine would be a little different. I would rather have a little of the older fluid in there than a dilute mix
+Wil Morris Well, it depends on how often your coolant is changed. If its dexkill that has turned to sludge, or the green stuff thats turned brown.... Or if you changing out dexkill to put in something else, you really gotta get most of it out. But yeah, coolant tester does help, as long as you check it cold, and knock of the air bubbles.
Depends how much coolant you can actually get out.
Exactly what i was thinking.
You wanna do a flush on my van?
Thank you for sharing this knowledge.
All your videos are helpful. Have you down one on changing brake fluid? Thanks again for the videos, youre saving us novice mechanics tons of money.
I have had cars for over 40 years & have always done oil/filter & coolant changes myself. 1. You know exactly what is going into your car. 2. You know it is done properly (I have a mate who has worked in Dealerships & 3rd Party Auto Car Care Companies. Some of his stories re: servicing, etc are scary & pure rip-offs). He does, however, have a 'service pit' in his garage so you can get under the car safely. As for a full coolant flush, I have always used distilled water as 'tap water' contains minerals, etc. which causes corrosion within the radiator & engine block. If done properly, with superior coolant & distilled water, a proper & complete radiator/engine/heater flush will last between 4 - 5 years under 'normal' driving conditions.
+Peter Waldie Scary reading - find the Jiffy Lube consumer complaint board online. Typical: "engine seized up - seems they forgot to put oil in the engine, good thing all they did was wipe off the old oil filter, at least that oil was in there."
so im replacing the radiator in my car. should i still flush and empty the coolent out even though im taking the radiator out?
Between the refilling the heater core with water and the first drain, do you reattach the hose? Also, when removing the hose, wouldn't the distilled water be very hot from running the car and turning on the heater?
Drains it , adds water, runs it , LET'S IT COOL ,,, then drains, then adds the 50/50 mix... Burp system...
Great video for beginners! But what I was wondering about is whether or not I should add coolant directly into the radiator through the shiny cap as well?
Thanks, Very informative, well made video which answered all my Questions.
This is probably the fastest to get all the old coolant out. The only thing I would recommend is doing the distilled water flush at least 3 times to make sure you get out most of the old coolant. Just make sure the water is clear on the last flush.
My question is how much distilled water should u put in to flush does it matter if theres only a little bit when u turn the car on to flush it
Ive flushed times with water , still not clear at all. 😢heater is on.
3 times
@@martyjones3481 it’ll almost never be clear unless you repeat the flushing process 3 or 4 times
One year I tried flushing my Jeep Cherokee until the coolant got clear. I drained/topped off with distilled water everyday for a week. It never got clear, not even close. That's 7 drain and fills.
This isn't a flush, it's a replacement. A flush is when you add chemicals to the system to clean it out. Those of which will be dumped out. a flush is a 5 step processes. Drain, fill with detergent/cooland, run for 30mins or so (depends on the age of the car), drain, fill with new coolant.
Oh thanks for posting this video this has been helpful. How do you change and install a thermostat??
This was a big help to me , thanks so much !
where are you getting coolant for 5 bucks a gallon?
Harbor freight with a coupon
Not quite $5 but just over $6
I sure hope you aren't putting Harbor Freight coolant in a German vehicle such as an Audi. It's very, very specific what you're supposed to use in almost all cars not manufactured in the US.
Yes, he didn't mention a lot of things to the newbies, like I listed in my above post. Plus G13 just cost me 50 frikn dollars for 5 concentrated liters! But it is some good stuff! The thermostat in pulled after 115K miles on it still looked exactly like a brand new one, and the g12 that was in it was still pretty and pinkish! It all looked so good I probably won't even bother with this again as long as I have the car unless something else fails and I have to drain the coolant system.
Peace!
Runnings, 4.95 a gal for 50/50
Some engines have an air vent on the highest area of the block that must be opened to prevent air entrapment when the cooling system is refilled. If you're doing the job yourself, just be sure you know whether your engine has such vents.
@wholeNwon
Ur fantastik, I remember delaying the Jaaab fir awhile until I established certainty as to how this part happens fur a ToyoTaEcho
I'm getting a '99 Cutlass running again and since the vehicle's old with mostly stock hoses I'm thinking of replacing all of the hoses and cooling system components. The vehicle had Dexcool stock so it's a good idea to replace stuff anyways, especially the radiator. Since I'm pulling the engine anyways it's the best time to replace anything in the engine compartment.
Nice vid mate. Steps though the process nicely.
Ben- Great video. I'm about to do this to my Subaru and I have a question. The Haynes manual says to leave the radiator cap off and run the engine after the new coolant is put in until the thermostat opens, but I've read in many other places that one should never run the engine with the radiator cap off. What should I do, and what is running it with the cap off meant to achieve?
Thanks for being there for all of us DIYers.
Seven years late and you might not even have that car anymore, but if you have the money I suggest just picking up a radiator funnel and you can bleed your system without having the (stock) cap on. I suggest that because personally I don't feel safe without using one of those for the job.
EricTheCarGuy has a good video on it, about bleeding the cooling system.
I told the wife I wouldn't be able to do it because I don't own a lift :)
👍👍👍👍❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Buy a portable ramp from Harbor freight.
@@tenzackyogi1742 honestly harbor freight makes the best quality tools
Good tactic. I should tell my car this.
thank you for your kindness!
Finally someone who has a proper how to video. Too many idiots rev the engine and don't drain the heater core. Yet tell people how to do it.
You didn't talk about burping the system to get the air bubbles out. Many people forget to do this and their car starts to over heat after flushing the system. Very important!!!
You mention how "burping the system" is super important, scold him for not addressing it, but then you didn't explain anything about it either. That doesn't help anyone. It just makes us paranoid that we're missing something, and we are still left not knowing what to do. People like me are on here trying to learn from people like you who have more experience. If you're going to state there is something we need to do, in the context of a how-to tutorial, please also explain how to do it. Looking forward to your reply. Thanks.
@@treydeuce8479 Thank you. Now THAT'S a useful reply! Newbs like me turn to UA-cam all the time, looking for tips and lessons from folks like you. Thanks for sharing.
My takeaway from years of reading and watching videos is that no one in these United States knows how to properly flush coolant
Very detailed professional video!
perfect video for what i need to do to my 2000 Passat..thank you
What about the air ? how do you get rid of the air inside the circuit?
There are coolant change kits that have funnels that attach to the radiator or tank. These allow air to escape by keeping the coolant level full. it will "burp" the system of air. Once the bubbles stop coming out from the funnel, the system is burped and free from air.
There is no way you will ever get ALL the old coolant out by this method. Think about it, every time you pull that lower hose you only drain the radiator, but the engine block is still full of that mixture so until that water draining out is perfectly clear, you haven't really flushed the whole cooling system, including the heater core [which is just like a mini radiator] I should know, I've been in the business for 40 years.
That's why you close the system and run the car with distilled water for 10mins to cycle the coolant through the engine block and the radiator. Ya goof
Trey Stine Okay, so #1 - in 10 minutes the "coolant" that was left in the heater core and the engine block hasn't really had a chance to circulate because....#2 - when you drained the system the first time it filled up with air, then when you refilled it, some of that air got trapped in the block and unless you run the engine at about 1500rpm and get it hot enough that it is circulating really well, you won't get all that air out, which means....#3 - there will still be some old coolant in the heater core and in the engine block and once again, when you drain the lower hose, you're not draining the whole system. Now #4 - the tough part on modern computer controlled injected engines is keeping the rpm up high enough and long enough [ on the old carbs you just left it on fast idle].
Walter Matthies you never get "ALL" of any fluid out the bulk of it is important and what was left will mix and the old will be very diluted
+Jemima Aaron you can always go to auto parts stores i.e: autozone, advanced, etc.. they offer "old fluid disposals", although some are not equipped so its best to call around. some local mechanics may also do this for a small fee.
+Walter Matthies I agree and am the 13 person to thumbs up your comment. I use a garden hose, pull off all the hoses and run the hose in everywhere forward and backward to remove all residue. Lots of grime come out the heater core with the garden hose running it out. This method shown in this video is only a cooling system drain and fill NOT a flush...
Thank you very much, very informative & helpful :)!!
Very nice tutorial video! Thanks!
Thank for the Video.
Take note. You Do not Slam the Hood on an Audi.
It is a two step process.
Car and Driver, I can't believe you put your name on this!
how long do you remind to run the engine after you drain the old coolant and fill it with distilled water? please advise. Thanks .. great video.
Open the radiator cap before draining, turn heater to HOT to help drain heater core, coolant is required for water pump lubrication so run for only a few minutes with only distilled water. In Northern US, be sure 50/50 mix protects to at least 40 deg BELOW zero. Some coolants mention 50/50 mix but do not mention level of temperature protection..
We're going to do the same type operation on our beetle. Except we already know we will be changing out the thermostat, so there's no need to let the engine get 'hot'. Just remove the stat--reattach the outlet with the o-ring. And flush it out.
For the record? G12 Coolant is anything but cheap! So I had to grin when he said buy an extra gallon of it...Yeah, it's about $22.00 a throw at the stealership.
4:57 Some say it's still dripping to this day
Thanks , what a great video!
You are really awesome man! Great depth and detail =D
No offense to this guy but if you want a more detailed version of this look on crisfix's channel he does a great job with describing it
Yes, ChrisFix does a great job of describing the process, but he had the advantage of being able to take out his thermostat. Not everybody has the ability to do this. Mine's too hard to access as it's buried under 14 other things.
Isn't it important to bleed your coolant system of air after such a procedure?
It sure is
You run the engine with the coolant cap off and squeeze the hoses and you see the level go down as the air escapes. Then too up.
The only thing I noticed that wasn't done, I personally recommend doing... Wipe off the coolant reservoir when you are finished with it, use some window cleaner (After the cap is installed) to clean it. it makes checking levels easy and it shows someone else that you take care of your stuff.
Hi, excellent video.
The coolant in my car has turned black.
My question is do i need to remove the radiator and clean it too or just flushing is enough.
To get rid of any air in the system after this, should I just run the car a short time with the radiator cap off to let the air escape from there?
perlewitzaudio
i just fucked this all up, now my engine overheats..... lol
This video doesn’t show how to burp the cooling system. You probably have air pockets. Park the vehicle on an incline or jack up the front and run it while squeezing the upper and lower radiator hoses to let air escape. Do this while the car is on with the heater on full blast and rev the engine a little. Keep an eye on the reservoir tank to be sure in at the right level.
sorted it , thaks for the reply
Or run the engine with the radiator cap off. Go ahead and
spend the big money and buy a $5 dollar radiator cap.
Hey bud! I respect your knowledge for cars and auto mechanics. You addressed your in the Detroit area in your video, I too am local. I've got a 1965 Ford F250 with a 429 big block v8 under the hood. The engine is backfiring when I ref it in park any recommendations as to why?
Good video! Keep making them!
Judging by all the comments it will be easier and less messy to take it to some shop. Who could I trust not to scam me? My dealership? Goodyear? Pep Boys? Who out there is trustworthy?
trust sears auto center
***** Man, truer words were never spoken!
Reg M thats rude and not necessary comment. Be realistic; not everybody has a lift or appropriate grounds available to flush radiator, and keep it from running into ground.
Seriously? You'll save yourself at least $100 by doing it yourself, and you're worried about getting your hands a little dirty?
you didnt run the car and heater when you flushed it...
The heater core doesn't get flushed unless you idle the engine with the heater on full. Some cars have a drain plug on the engine block that you should also pull for proper drainage.
hello and thanks for the video very helpful I have a 1997 Acura CL 2.2 and the radiator loses coolant and it doesn't seem to transfer any from the reservoir tank any help with this thank you in advance.
Forgot to bleed the cooling system. You probably have plenty of air pockets in the system now since you opened the it up.
Yeah, he didn’t turn on the heater and burp the system.
You should kill the sound effects on the graphics and transitions. I felt like my neck was snapping.
I felt like my eyes were falling out of their sockets
Thanks for the info.
Saves alot of money thank you
and about $3000 for a car lift to put in your 2 car garage.
patrapper7 i bought car ramps instead of a lift it was about 50 dollars but they are very useful
Hell yeah. They’re cheap. I love mine
You can get a lift much cheaper than that.
Might actually sound like a bargain in the long run? Pretty sure anybody could call in dave ramseys daily radio show. Dave Ramsey the great wizard of finances. If he doesn't say all clear grab all of you can. Then in my opinion will grow more strongly that he is just gifted at gableing hot air to become more wealthy because he cherishes money more than his own skin.
I hate when these videos make it a bigger point to tell me to recycle my coolant than actually explain the work process thoroughly
The good thing about Ytube is you can replay it as many times you want until you get it... or post better video and teach the world.
a single lick of Ethylene Glycol can kill a cat or dog over 72 hours via kidney damage. If you have pets, then use PG Propylene Glycol and If you dont recycle then make sure you dispose of it properly. Recycling ??? I dont recycle because what you pull out of your engine is usually broken down to much to be any good anyway. All Antifreeze has a life cycle depending on type. BTW...this really was not a flush video. It was just a replacement of antifreeze video.
@@getsmart2594 Those who maintain their vehicles at proper mileage/time intervals using FACTORY APPROVED fluids should not have to flush the system.
Agreed.
Nice video.Thanks.
In the detroit aread and he's working on a VW. Made me chuckle.
do y'all burp the system as well
Step 1, put your vehicle up on a lift....
Yeah, if you have one!
@@Twobarpsi If I could afford a hoist, why would I even bother to do this? I would head for the nearest dealer and pay them the $200 to do it.
@@TheOzthewiz its $300 now
Yes can you please show me or tell me where is the radiator drain plug on a 2001 Dodge Dakota with a 5.9 Engine
Good job !
First as other Comments stated where the Hell are You going to get Brand Name Coolant for $5.00 a gallon,Just did my 2004 Lexus and my Wife's Subaru 2007 the Dealers were $42.99 Toyota Long Life and 39.50 Subaru Long Life a Gallon Pure not 50/50 ! AutoZ wanted $21.99 for a Gallon of the same thing you are using ! The local oil change place wanted $179.99 to do a flush with city water and then add new Coolant but no Flush Chemical that was $35.00 more! The Dealers wanted over $200 each For the Lex and Sub.?Was on Amaz. and a 4 Gal. pack of Evans HD Coolant was $199.00 thats $50 a Gallon ,So where do you get $5.00 ,Maybe from the same people who made your hose clamps?
Another thing why don't you take out the Thermostat to do a Flush and then put a $10 to $20 Dollar New Thermostat and Gasket in? It also makes Flushing Flow through Whole System Right Away and Then It All Drains Out and Don't Forget Thermostats get gummed up and fail too ,Especially with Flush Running Through Them! My manual calls for 40K mile change on Coolant and Thermostat and I see New Prestone with 100,000 mile life sticker on it, Yea you don't change the Coolant you change the Engine and Heater Core and anything Else Connected to the Coolant ! What a Joke!
Shit that's expensive. I bought a gallon of Mini/BMW coolant (pure coolant, not mixed) last month from the Mini dealership for like $27.00
There are so many things wrong with this video, I don't even know where to start!
+Jeff Treseder
It sounds to me like a very basic flush of the radiator. He didn't even use those T adapters + water hose to force all the junk out.
757WN i was wondering why i wanted to head to the golfclub after watching this video.
Ric Rust on this car there is only one container to add coolant. its towards the back but higher then the radiator so it all fills up. vw and BMW mainly like this.
Hey helpful video! The only thing I'm unsure of is people in comments saying you have to bleed/burp the coolant system or it will over heat or idle funny, what's the deal with that, is it required or not?
You didn't "flush" anything! You drained part of it (radiator only), replaced that with water and circulated it by running (the same thing it's been doing since new anyway), so where did you actually flush anything? Where did you specifically flush or back flush anything including the heater core? You just wasted a bunch of time and money.
+AndorkKuomo how about an '02 Camry XLE V6?
+Andork Kuomo I'm not sure if you hadn't thought this through, but: 1) A huge chunk of the sediment will be purged in the initial drain. 2) What THEN runs through the system -- the distilled water -- a) initially has NO sediment and b) is less viscous; in both these ways it removes further sediment in and around the engine which the more viscous and already sediment-saturated coolant didn't (and couldn't) have done during the initial drain. 3) As others have pointed out, doing the water circulation + drain a few more cycles only furthers the degree to which sediment is removed. Don't believe it? Try it and compare the visible turbidity of drained fluid after each cycle. Lastly, one doesn't need to have "worked on cars for umpteen years" to understand any of this. Often, the only thing each year of experience does with some geniuses is solidify their many misunderstandings.
+J Allen I worked with a guy for 30 years that would fall right into your last sentence. When we learned to flush them back in the 70's you opened everything up and flushed and back flushed with a garden hose and that's how I've always done them. That included removing block drain plugs too...if we were really motivated! I've seen numerous times where someone just gravity drained, refilled and accomplished nothing, particularly when the heater core was an issue (which it almost always is because if you have any sediment in the system the core is one of the first places it ends up). The big difference with todays' vehicles is they don't seem to get quite as much crap in them any more with the newer tech we have in everything. The last couple times I've flushed any of my vehicles (usually with well over 100K on original coolant) I've gotten next to nothing out. Either way, I flush them good until water runs clear so that I have scavenged the entire system of old coolant then blow it all out with some compressed air. Part of the reason you do this is, besides flushing out sediment, you want to actually replace all the "worn out" coolant. You'll never accomplish that by just gravity draining the radiator.
Lots of things wrong with this tutorial. The system needs to be bled being the main one
rightON⚡⚡!
Also it's good to know that the way to do it comPletely is to be aware of (and *at least* chry) the coolant plug on the block: draining the "wooder(ChrisFix :3👍💪) that's directly in the engine". It's tough enough not being able to get at the an-i-freeze , but then thaT's why we do the drain & refill repeatedly 3 or 4 times to remove azmuch depleted coolant as we can
thanks for the video.
im going to feed it to the ants
I wonder if that would take care of roach problem as well?🤔
Okay....so how many people watching this have a lift in their garage? How many people have a garage? This is a great video, but would love to see one for those of us mechanics that don't have either of these....I'm sure I'll find one on here......
+Brian Herron I use a jack and jackstands... Get a big cardboard box, break it down and lay it under the car and lay down under the car. Do it in your driveway or on the street... I'd love to have a lift in my garage but it's just not practical for a weekend mechanic.
+Brian Herron - Just use ramps or a jack. I dont think you'd want to see this video without a lift. Hard to film, and even harder to tell where the camera is pointed at.
*****
Well, I have two diff. jacks AND I have jack stands...my "stupid" point (I guess) was...I've watched other videos where the mechanic is like "us" and uses the same things we have....you know....he's being practical/realistic. So, when I watched this it made me think of THOSE guys and how it's so easy to say- "sure let me just put my vehicle on my lift in my garage." NOT!!
Look for a video by ChrisFix doing a coolant flush. He does it step by step in his driveway.
Jason Koneman
Thanks..will do.
i liked this because it's in the Detroit area ;) and I did need to know how to do this.
Nice video - thanks
now after reading some of the other comments maybe you should redo this video. popular mechanic should not allow partial work on a vehicle when you say radiator flush you should do it right. this looks like the kind of job that you would probably get an A Instant Oil Change place. please live up to your name you can do better.
'It's pretty toxic...'
Why the heck aren't you wearing latex gloves?
This vehicle might be filled with antifreeze that uses non-toxic propylene glycol as a base (these types are usually dyed orange). He still gives the warning, though, since many vehicles use ethylene glycol.
If he is handling ethylene glycol without gloves, he is a very crazy man.
Ethylene glycol is poorly absorbed through the skin. It only becomes toxic when ingested. The same enzyme in your liver that breaks down alcohol breaks the ehtylene glycol into oxalic acid, which is what is really toxic.
In other words don't drink it or inhale the fumes and you should be fine. Gloves not needed.
www.cdc.gov/niosh/ershdb/EmergencyResponseCard_29750031.html
Let it go
Jansy Valenzuela
LOL, I did like the information. I didn't realize there were two types. I'm a glove always kind of repair guy except for tiny screws or bolts.
I also prefer Nitrile. When they break, they break more obviously to prevent further contamination....yeah, that's better for medicine than car mechanics, lol. (Surgical tech. here.)
Steve Anderson yes, wear toxic gloves to handle toxic liquid xD
Good work
Thank's
thank you!
$10 or $20??? how in God's name is a weekend mechanic w/o a lift system supposed to do this? Gimme a break
spookypunky a lot of people do it without a lift you could use jack stands if you need more space also a lot of radiators have drain plugs to you don't make a mess like that by disconcerting the hose you can use a bucket or one of those under the bed storage things to catch the coolant coming out of the engine do not drain on to the ground then transfer to any kind of jug and take to a parts store or somewhere that will dispose of coolant so if you already have basic tools you can easily do this for under $25 you could also buy a coolant flush kit to help make a little easier please watch a couple more videos this ones not that good
+Jemima Aaron check your local recycling center if they accept used engine fluids. Most local auto parts stores will also recycle them for you. Just make sure you know it's coolant and keep away from animals and children. Also I wouldn't mess with the brake fluid aside from topping off unless you're mechanically inclined to bleed the brakes as part of a brake fluid flush. Check your owners manual.
by some ramps.
I just did this to my jeep mine had a drain plug which made it a lot easier than this and I drained it 3 times and refilled it bought 2 gallons if antifreeze at target for 8.15 each and 6 gallons of distilled water at 95 cents each So around $21 you should use distilled water because it wont have a calcium build up or any thing. I did this with out jack stands I used 2 bins yo catch the fluid
+spookypunky In the past I had a jack and stands, now I use ramps. You get under it to change the oil don't you?
My neighbours cat really likes antifreeze coolant. I drained my radiator and put it into a large bowl . The next thing i know the neighbours cat was lapping it up ! So everyday i leave the friendly cat a fresh bowl out.
+Cooper 1019 i lold so hard mane
I just don't know....
+Cooper 1019 That was almost funny, except the fact that after the first day, you wouldn't have to leave any more out as the friendly cat wouldn't be back. :-P
+Zen Valo I aint seen the pussy cat in a while.
Cooper 1019 Lolz!
this was a helpful video
Sweet thanks!
What is that ANNOYING sound every few seconds? WTF? Toxic, yet you don't wear gloves? You are a genius...
toxic if you digest it meaning drink it.
Would you still have to burp the system for air bubbles or pockets or no because that's typically a problem with an open system where the radiator cap is there but no overflow container? Does the over flow container act like those air bubble yellow funnel kits that fit on your radiator and you fill it up with coolant and it'll draw the air bubbles out?
Great video! How long will this process take may I ask?
Quote me if I'm wrong, but even IF you do clear out all the old coolant, there will still be distilled water in your block and if you just "top it off" with coolant the mixture will be incorrect. I think the best method is to just empty the radiator (via drain plug or hose, then top off which is about a gallon depending on the vehicle. Do this once every 6 months and you will eventually have cleaner fluid. I had a bad leak at one point (it's fixed now) and had to refill a few times and the coolant is super clean now.
I have a Honda Civic Ex 08, I have some questions about flushing the coolant for it. 1. Why did you cut the coolant with distilled water? 2. How long do you let the car run when you're flushing it with water? 3. Do you add water each time you check the coolant level as well?
First time owning a car so I'm trying to figure some of this stuff out, any feedback would be great.
Very nice information brother.....
Thanks for the great info! Is there really a benefit to getting the pressurized flush done at a lube place or a dealer or does this do literally the exact same thing AND save you money? I'm trying to imagine how necessary such high pressure going through the system to clean it out is. Thanks.
+Matt Kay No need for that high pressure crap that they over sell you. I know for a fact, when Nissan does their Flush coolant, they only pull off the radiator hose just like what this video showed. Its pretty damn easy, any man should be able to do basic fluid flush.
And never take your car to a "lube" car maintenance place. Those places are scams and don't even do the fluid changes. There was a report out on those scum bags and their bad practices.
Mack the best way to check for coolant leaks is with a pressure tester made for this purpose. They are not too expensive, or have a shop preform this test. They attach to either your radiator at the cap or expansion tank at the cap depending on what type cooling system you have. Then by pumping up the system to operating pressure, no more than 16 psi, you will see where the leak is coming from. Unless you have a large leak they are hard to see. If no leaks are seen and you are still losing coolant it's possible you either have a blown head gasket or cracked head, block somewhere. There is another simple test you can do to check for blown head gasket, it will tell you if you are getting carbon fumes in the cooling system. You can get these kits for not a lot of money at auto parts stores and they are easy to use, just follow instructions.
Awesome Job!!!!!!!