Flushing the cooling system

[chrisc2306]

Hi guys totally new to this so sorry for the basic stuff but bought my Patrol at the weekend and after going over everything checking what needs sorted I noticed that my coolant is a rusty colour. So I have a couple of questions can someone give me a brief description of how to flush the system and also what kind of coolant are people using in their Patrols. Thanks in advance :)

[happygu]

Hi guys totally new to this so sorry for the basic stuff but bought my Patrol at the weekend and after going over everything checking what needs sorted I noticed that my coolant is a rusty colour. So I have a couple of questions can someone give me a brief description of how to flush the system and also what kind of coolant are people using in their Patrols. Thanks in advance :)

Chris,

What model and engine?

Mic

[Stropp]

mate if it was me i would get it cleaned at a radiator place, get them to take the top tank off and get it rodded to make sure there is no crap in the system then fill it with proper radiator coolant, sounds like it just had water in it previously. I would also get new hoses and get it pressure tested after its back together, but thats just me.

[chrisc2306]

Its a 1990 GQ 4.2 diesel. I'm not having any problems with overheating or anything so I just wanted to get it flushed and refilled and see how that goes before I spend the money on getting it all rodded etc

[Col.T]

G'day Chris.
What's your wagon?
Coolants come in various colours. I've used the top of the line Tectalloy which is green in the container and it's been good for over 400K in a GQ and I hope as good in the GU.The old stuff was red but I reckon red colour is different to overextended, totally stuffed rusty fluid. Hope yours is the former. Coupla points while you're waiting for the gospel from the gurus,
1) open the heater to the hot position when draining the system
2) finding and releasing the drain plug which is supposed to be halfway up the block or something is something I've never managed to do. Good luck. If you follow 4) I don't THINK it's critical though.
3) if you use the plastic 'tap' on the bottom of the radiator and open/release the highest heater hose as well as the cap you should get most out. Can't remember but I think you may need to remove a plastic shield or something from beneath the radiator to get to the tap.
4) mixing coolants is a total, total bummer!!!! Therefore flush, flush and reflush till you get bored sh***ess with the exercise.
5) run the motor between flushes (after you've refilled and tightened everything back) to try to get ALL coolant flowing round the system ready to drain again. Never caused a problem for me but keep an eye on your temperature while you do that. An air block COULD cause a sudden temp. rise to dangerous levels if it is run too long.
6) make sure your overflow/reserve tank(s) are flushed as well.
7) make sure you've got a containet for about a million litres before you start. One of the biggest pains is getting rid of the old stuff in a sensible manner. Hate pricks who just dump it down the drain or into a creek etc. Mine goes to a recycling place who also take my old sump oil.

It's after beer o'clock so I hope I'm not misleading you.
Also, it's usually a good idea to enter a few key words in the search panel top right of the page. Try for example 'coolant','flush','radiator' etc. and see what comes up in different combinations.

Good luck
Col

[Avo]

the drain bung in the block is under the exhaust manifold pritty much in line with the 6th cylinder...don't do what I did had it all nice and hot and undid it onto my face ..

[chrisc2306]

Done it tonight all went smoothly thanks for all the advice and help much appreciated!