Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Flushing (Powertrain)
Do not use a chemical flush.
Store used coolant in the proper manner, such as in a used engine coolant holding tank. Do not pour used coolant down a drain. Ethylene glycol antifreeze is a very toxic chemical. Do not dispose of coolant into the sewer system or ground water. This is illegal and ecologically unsound.
Various methods and equipment can be used to flush the cooling system. If special equipment is used, such as a back flusher, follow the manufacturer's instruction. Always remove the thermostat before flushing the cooling system.
When the cooling system becomes contaminated, the cooling system should be flushed thoroughly to remove the contaminants before the engine is seriously damaged.
- Drain the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling (GE 47716) , Cooling System Draining and Filling (Static Fill) .
- Remove the surge tank. Refer to Radiator Surge Tank Replacement .
- Clean and flush the surge tank with clean, drinkable water.
- Install the surge tank. Refer to Radiator Surge Tank Replacement .
- Follow the drain and fill procedure using only clean, drinkable water. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling (GE 47716) , Cooling System Draining and Filling (Static Fill) .
- Run the engine for 20 minutes.
- Stop the engine.
- Drain the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling (GE 47716) , Cooling System Draining and Filling (Static Fill)
- Repeat the procedure if necessary, until the fluid is nearly colorless.
- Fill the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling (GE 47716) , Cooling System Draining and Filling (Static Fill) .
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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