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Home › Pontiac › 2009 › G8 Base › Repair and Diagnosis › External Pages › Different car › Section 21 (Engine Cooling System) › Repair Instructions › Coolant System Flushing › Engine

Coolant System Flushing: Engine

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Pontiac G8. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
    IMPORTANT: Do not use a chemical flush.
    Store used coolant in the correct 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.
  1. Drain the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling .
  2. Detach the inlet hose. Refer to Radiator Inlet Hose Replacement (3.6L Engine)  or Radiator Inlet Hose Replacement (6.0L Engine) .
  3. Detach the outlet hose. Refer to Radiator Outlet Hose Replacement (3.6L Engine)  or Radiator Outlet Hose Replacement (6.0L Engine) .
  4. Remove the thermostat housing. Refer to Engine Coolant Thermostat Housing Replacement (6.0L Engine) .
  5. Remove the thermostat. Refer to Engine Coolant Thermostat Replacement (3.6L Engine)  or Engine Coolant Thermostat Replacement (6.0L Engine) .
  6. Install the thermostat housing. Refer to Engine Coolant Thermostat Housing Replacement (6.0L Engine) .
    7. Fig 1: Identifying Radiator Spigot, Coolant Air Bleed Hose & Retaining Hose Clamp
    GM1949735Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  7. Remove the engine coolant air bleed hose (1) by releasing retaining hose clamp (2) and remove it from the radiator spigot (3) and temporarily plug the end of the hose.
    8. Fig 2: Identifying Heater Hoses (1 Of 2)
    GM1949721Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
    IMPORTANT: Make a note of how the inlet and outlet hoses were removed for correct installation.
  8. Remove the heater hoses (1) and (2) from their connections at the water pump. Seal the pump connections by looping the water pump heater inlet connection to the outlet connection using a suitable piece of hose and two retaining clamps.
  9. Install a lead-away hose to the thermostat housing and a length of suitable hose between the water pump outlet fitting and the flushing gun.
  10. Connect and operate the flushing gun.
  11. Unplug the air bleed hose and continue flushing until the water runs clear.
    12. Fig 3: Identifying Heater Hoses (2 Of 2)
    GM1949721Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  12. Install the heater hoses (1) and (2), ensuring they are installed in the correct positions.
  13. Install the thermostat. Refer to Engine Coolant Thermostat Replacement (3.6L Engine)  or Engine Coolant Thermostat Replacement (6.0L Engine) .
  14. Install the thermostat housing. Refer to Engine Coolant Thermostat Housing Replacement (6.0L Engine) .
    15. Fig 4: Identifying Radiator Spigot, Coolant Air Bleed Hose & Retaining Hose Clamp
    GM1949735Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  15. Attach the coolant air bleed hose (1) to the radiator spigot (3).
  16. Secure the coolant air bleed hose (1) with the retaining hose clamp (2)
  17. Attach the outlet hose. Refer to Radiator Outlet Hose Replacement (3.6L Engine)  or Radiator Outlet Hose Replacement (6.0L Engine) .
  18. Attach the inlet hose. Refer to Radiator Inlet Hose Replacement (3.6L Engine)  or Radiator Inlet Hose Replacement (6.0L Engine) .
  19. Fill the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling .
  20. Pressure test the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Leak Testing .
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