Coolant Flush
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,558
Likes: 26
From: Bay Area
When I flushed mine I drained the drivers side block after every flush. I did not drain the passenger side. I'm hoping that was enough. So far the highest split between oil and coolant temp has been 12 degrees and that was driving 75 - 80 mph down the freeway. It quickly drops when I lower my speed and the split goes down to around 7-8 degrees.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 6,545
Likes: 13
From: Virginia Beach VA
Even pulling the drivers side block drain, your not getting everything, why you flush a bunch of times, the coolant just becomes less concentrated over time. And why you go back with 3 gallons of concentrate at the end.
You can't get the passenger side unless you pull that plug and then the heater core and hose is still holding a fair amount, about 3 gallons.
You can't get the passenger side unless you pull that plug and then the heater core and hose is still holding a fair amount, about 3 gallons.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,558
Likes: 26
From: Bay Area
Even pulling the drivers side block drain, your not getting everything, why you flush a bunch of times, the coolant just becomes less concentrated over time. And why you go back with 3 gallons of concentrate at the end.
You can't get the passenger side unless you pull that plug and then the heater core and hose is still holding a fair amount, about 3 gallons.
You can't get the passenger side unless you pull that plug and then the heater core and hose is still holding a fair amount, about 3 gallons.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 998
Likes: 23
From: Tennessee
In the future I would backflush the heater core. Mine always has stuff in it. It has always taken 12 flushes [48 gallons of distilled water] to get mine to run clear after using the VC9. Dropping the lower radiator hose every time you flush also helps to clean the cooling system. JMHO.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 6,545
Likes: 13
From: Virginia Beach VA
Sure, Leave the thermostat out so it circulates. But once that cool water goes in, the tstat closes until it's up to temp.... Mainly why guys just flush the stuffing out of it.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,558
Likes: 26
From: Bay Area
I am on at least my 4th flush. I took the degas bottle out and soaked it in powdered dishwashing detergent. It was full of junk.
I drained the driver side block again and it's getting cleaner. It's lightly rust colored. I am ready for the VC9 cleaner.
I ordered the Fomoto valve and clear line to flush the passenger side. I will remove the starter and get this installed for the final flushes.
Do I remove the inlet line to the Degas bottle to back flush the heater core?
I drained the driver side block again and it's getting cleaner. It's lightly rust colored. I am ready for the VC9 cleaner.
I ordered the Fomoto valve and clear line to flush the passenger side. I will remove the starter and get this installed for the final flushes.
Do I remove the inlet line to the Degas bottle to back flush the heater core?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 998
Likes: 23
From: Tennessee
I am on at least my 4th flush. I took the degas bottle out and soaked it in powdered dishwashing detergent. It was full of junk.
I drained the driver side block again and it's getting cleaner. It's lightly rust colored. I am ready for the VC9 cleaner.
I ordered the Fomoto valve and clear line to flush the passenger side. I will remove the starter and get this installed for the final flushes.
Do I remove the inlet line to the Degas bottle to back flush the heater core?
I drained the driver side block again and it's getting cleaner. It's lightly rust colored. I am ready for the VC9 cleaner.
I ordered the Fomoto valve and clear line to flush the passenger side. I will remove the starter and get this installed for the final flushes.
Do I remove the inlet line to the Degas bottle to back flush the heater core?
It just in front of the oil fill tube.
Last edited by Tennesseepowerstroke; Sep 7, 2015 at 08:37 PM. Reason: clarity of location
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,558
Likes: 26
From: Bay Area
Thanks.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,558
Likes: 26
From: Bay Area
I like the Performance kit and will order it today.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,558
Likes: 26
From: Bay Area
What is a safe way to do a chemical flush?
What about Fleetguard Restore? My Degas bottle was very dirty and that's an indication that the rest of the cooling system is dirty.
Maybe the inline filter is going to do the trick for me by changing it every few months.
I will check my EOT and ECT tomorrow when the ScanGuage II arrives
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 6,545
Likes: 13
From: Virginia Beach VA
once the cleaning chemical goes in, it begins to work immediately, not in a week or two and/or slowly. It's recommended to leave it in getting the most cleaning action from the application.. that same coolant is flowing through the oil cooler with the chemicals to loosen the debris and suspend it in the coolant so it can be carried away during the flush.
I'm saying that most every one of these threads about flushing and using chemicals ends in plugged coolers... be ready. You can flush with water and that may even result in suspended particles clogging the cooler, but mostly hearing that is not as big a gamble doing just water flushes.
I'd check the EOT/ECT differences BEFORE chemical flushing, you may not need it.
I'm saying that most every one of these threads about flushing and using chemicals ends in plugged coolers... be ready. You can flush with water and that may even result in suspended particles clogging the cooler, but mostly hearing that is not as big a gamble doing just water flushes.
I'd check the EOT/ECT differences BEFORE chemical flushing, you may not need it.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,558
Likes: 26
From: Bay Area
I'm saying that most every one of these threads about flushing and using chemicals ends in plugged coolers... be ready. You can flush with water and that may even result in suspended particles clogging the cooler, but mostly hearing that is not as big a gamble doing just water flushes.
I'd check the EOT/ECT differences BEFORE chemical flushing, you may not need it.