200 Series Coolant Flush at Home (2 Viewers)

[Gigem96]

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I just wanted to add some pics and notes that might help others gain the confidence to do this more often. It was actually really easy. I followed the FSM steps. The radiator drain was easy to get to after skids removal. I used 1/4” clear tubing and the nipple is really short so I gently clamped it with needle nose vise grips. Don’t unscrew the yellow valve all the way or it will flow out there too. I drained 6.5qts from here first. Next was PS passenger side. Move the dust flap out of the way the find the drain cock fairly easy. I did not remove tires but I’m also lifted and chassis, not axles on jack stands so the wheels droop low. Easy to get hand in to put hose on nipple. I drained 5qts from here. Next was DS. It’s a little harder to get to but not crazy once you find it. It’s tucked behind the LCA joint behind the dust flap. I had a piece of all-thread and taped the hose end to it and slid it on no problem. I stretched the hose end out a bit as a lead in. The used the 10mm wobble socket on a 18” extension. No issues. Drained only 0.5qt from here. So 12qts total = 3Gal. Then used a HF coolant fill kit as normal for fill. However, is was cool out so it took a long time to get engine to temp to open thermostat and full fill. Lots of upper and lower hose squeezing to burp it. I got 3Gal in including overflow to F line. I’ll update if it takes any more to top off. Hope this helps!!

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[Gigem96]

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[colacola]

My 08 has 290 k trouble free miles

Coolant was changed at 100k

again at 200k

was going to change it again at 300k

but after reading all the controversies, may have to change coolant at every oil change - otherwise my 200 will self destruct. Because some guy on the internet said so

That guy on the internet has opened up more 5.7’s than all of us combined (when giving input on coolant degradation impact on gaskets). You do u though.

 

[ryanCA]

That guy on the internet has opened up more 5.7’s than all of us combined (when giving input on coolant degradation impact on gaskets). You do u though.

yup not all of us worship at the temple of CCN

 

[bloc]

That guy on the internet has opened up more 5.7’s than all of us combined (when giving input on coolant degradation impact on gaskets). You do u though.

Said guy also stated coolant turning acidic is what eats head gaskets, but a number of people here tested their sometimes original coolant and from memory, none were acidic at all.

Wouldn’t be the first time he was factually incorrect about something. Even if he is usually pretty on-point.

 

[gasman4u]

yup not all of us worship at the temple of CCN

All hail his name…

Said guy also stated coolant turning acidic is what eats head gaskets, but a number of people here tested their sometimes original coolant and from memory, none were acidic at all.

Wouldn’t be the first time he was factually incorrect about something. Even if he is usually pretty on-point.

Thankfully he’s not doing it for clicks/engagement like some of the alternative channels. I too think he’s usually on the nose, but even guys with noble intentions can be wrong. I’ll still watch his channel and (sometimes) follow his rec’s except for oil change intervals. I’ll go a bit past 5k given my used oil analysis results. But coolant is one thing I’ll continue to change with regularity early per the book intervals.

 

[ryanCA]

All hail his name…


per the book intervals.

yeah i prefer books to the internet myself

 

[TLC2013]

Did it look like this? I got some of this out of PS drain then a lot more out of DS drain. It’s non-metallic like maybe rubber or something? But it’s also kind of flaky like it might be corrosion scaling or something?

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I also had some of this plastic/rubbery debris when I flushed my system.
Have you had your Coolant Valley (heat exhanger) resealed?
I assumed this was just old left over RTV sealant from when mine was repaired. Maybe the mechanic didn't clean it out perfectly before buttoning it all up??

I did three flushes and switched to Amsoil coolant. Every flush resulted in less of this debris but there was still a little bit present.

 

[TLC2013]

I also had some of this plastic/rubbery debris when I flushed my system.
Have you had your Coolant Valley (heat exhanger) resealed?
I assumed this was just old left over RTV sealant from when mine was repaired. Maybe the mechanic didn't clean it out perfectly before buttoning it all up??

I did three flushes and switched to Amsoil coolant. Every flush resulted in less of this debris but there was still a little bit present.

 

[hoot504]

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That’s what mine looked like. Agree with above this is a super easy procedure. IMO you don’t even need to do both sides of the engine block.

 

[Gigem96]

I also had some of this plastic/rubbery debris when I flushed my system.
Have you had your Coolant Valley (heat exhanger) resealed?
I assumed this was just old left over RTV sealant from when mine was repaired. Maybe the mechanic didn't clean it out perfectly before buttoning it all up??

I did three flushes and switched to Amsoil coolant. Every flush resulted in less of this debris but there was still a little bit present.

I do not have a valley leak yet. 2015 160k miles. But watching closely. Radiator too I have a new one when the time comes. I think the hoses are all factory original too. So it could be those degrading.

 

[Jbuckley21]

Just stirring the post, but maybe it’s said Gasket sealant on those head gaskets being eating up by that corrosive coolant .

On a serious not, was anyone able to get the full 17L to drain?

I am more worried about my spark plug change where 4 of the tubes had significant oil in them. 150k miles on 2011. Hoping and doubting it will be the top seals only. Tossed in new spark plugs last weekend and drove it, will crack open this weekend and see if I am doing spark plug gaskets…

 

[t4r2lx570]

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Your write-up gave me a better feeling after having replaced my radiator and having drained both sides of the engine block. When all is said and done I'll only be adding around 3 gallons. Radiator swap wasn't bad at all.

 

[t4r2lx570]

Just stirring the post, but maybe it’s said Gasket sealant on those head gaskets being eating up by that corrosive coolant .

On a serious not, was anyone able to get the full 17L to drain?

I am more worried about my spark plug change where 4 of the tubes had significant oil in them. 150k miles on 2011. Hoping and doubting it will be the top seals only. Tossed in new spark plugs last weekend and drove it, will crack open this weekend and see if I am doing spark plug gaskets…

I just replaced my radiator, which I drained from. I also drained both sides of the engine block. A little less than three gallons is all that came out.