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Started By
Message
Idiot here, how complicated is a coolant flush?
Posted on 1/21/26 at 8:20 pm
Posted on 1/21/26 at 8:20 pm
1. Is a coolant/antifreeze flush significantly better than simply draining the old coolant and refilling with new fluid?
2. Would you trust the typical oil change place to flush the coolant correctly?
Sorry if these are stupid questions, just trying to learn.
2. Would you trust the typical oil change place to flush the coolant correctly?
Sorry if these are stupid questions, just trying to learn.
Posted on 1/21/26 at 8:23 pm to 308
quote:
Sorry if these are stupid questions
Don't apologize for asking.
quote:
just trying to learn.
Excellent, never a bad idea.
quote:
how complicated is a coolant flush?
Oh, I got no idea.
Posted on 1/21/26 at 8:26 pm to 308
I have a mechanic in family.
He says draining and refilling coolant is a good idea.
He says a coolant “flush” is at best a waste of money, and at worse, can cause leaks due to too high pressure.
He says draining and refilling coolant is a good idea.
He says a coolant “flush” is at best a waste of money, and at worse, can cause leaks due to too high pressure.
Posted on 1/21/26 at 8:28 pm to LCA131
@LCA,
Well, at least you made me feel a bit better about myself.
Well, at least you made me feel a bit better about myself.
Posted on 1/21/26 at 8:29 pm to 308
Keep your blinkers on during a long drive
Posted on 1/21/26 at 8:32 pm to 308
really easy to do a complete job
1 locate the car radiator over a street drain grate
2. open the drain valve at bottom of radiator
3. close valve and refill. Run engine for 10 minutes
4. Drain again to sewer
5. close valve and refill
easy peasy
1 locate the car radiator over a street drain grate
2. open the drain valve at bottom of radiator
3. close valve and refill. Run engine for 10 minutes
4. Drain again to sewer
5. close valve and refill
easy peasy
Posted on 1/21/26 at 8:32 pm to ScottAndrew
quote:
Keep your blinkers on during a long drive
Only during a lengthy 'winter event' like this coming weekend.
Please don't mislead folks.
Posted on 1/21/26 at 8:33 pm to 308
If I'm at the point of changing the radiator I will shoot a garden hose into the block until it runs clear. Both directions and may try to get the heater core on its own. But if it's like just changing a thermostat it might just get the radiator drained and refilled with new coolant. Depends on the vehicle. More often than not I will put oem coolant back in if it's a complete drain.
Posted on 1/21/26 at 8:34 pm to 308
There is an H-Board thread created by my fellow LSU fan and O-T compatriot, which compatriot also happens to be a father, LSUDad, advocating for a TD Auto Board.
I think it's fairly evident the level of interest from regular ole O-T brethren who maintain a great interest in all things automobiles.
Drop a line in that there Help Board thrizzle to show your support for the Cause.
***
And I have no clue as to the answer but I bet by 11pm someone who did that in the last month will provide a step by step breakdown.
I think it's fairly evident the level of interest from regular ole O-T brethren who maintain a great interest in all things automobiles.
Drop a line in that there Help Board thrizzle to show your support for the Cause.
***
And I have no clue as to the answer but I bet by 11pm someone who did that in the last month will provide a step by step breakdown.
Posted on 1/21/26 at 8:36 pm to 308
I just pee in mine like the kids in Red Dawn.


This post was edited on 1/22/26 at 8:46 am
Posted on 1/21/26 at 8:36 pm to 308
Age miles make?
Generally not needed.
Generally not needed.
Posted on 1/21/26 at 8:38 pm to 308
Plug at bottom of radiator, drain, fill back up. Bout it.
Can do it twice if you really really want all old out. Not necessary
Can do it twice if you really really want all old out. Not necessary
Posted on 1/21/26 at 8:39 pm to 308
“Coolant flush” is code for women who don’t understand vehicle maintenance.
Blinker fluid refill, however, is a once a quarter type of maintenance every man needs to know.
Blinker fluid refill, however, is a once a quarter type of maintenance every man needs to know.
Posted on 1/21/26 at 8:42 pm to Trevaylin
quote:
1 locate the car radiator over a street drain grate
You can also buy a container to catch the coolant and dump it down the drain later (handy for areas with more street traffic). Also works for oil, bodies, or anything else you need to dispose of.
Posted on 1/21/26 at 8:43 pm to 308
I have used one of these kits in the past and it worked okay. It won't get all the sediment out, but it will flush the old antifreeze. Just don't use it on a hot engine.
Posted on 1/21/26 at 8:44 pm to 308
Just drain from the radiator petcock and refill. That’s good enough. Make sure you get the right coolant. You can save some money by getting concentrate and mixing your own 50/50 with distilled water from Walmart. But I maintain 5 cars.
Posted on 1/21/26 at 8:45 pm to N2cars
quote:
Age miles make?
2018 Dodge Ram pickup, 6 cylinder, 145k mostly highway miles.
Coolant never changed. I have the oil and filter changed every 5000 miles.
Opinion, please. Thanks.
This post was edited on 1/21/26 at 8:48 pm
Posted on 1/21/26 at 8:47 pm to 308
That means the hoses are original as well. Check those too.
Replace only with Gates. Don’t use cheap hoses. Too critical.
Replace only with Gates. Don’t use cheap hoses. Too critical.
This post was edited on 1/21/26 at 8:49 pm
Posted on 1/21/26 at 8:50 pm to 308
Why you wanting to do this? My truck has 273,000 miles and it’s never had a radiator flush nor does it run hot.
Was always told, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
Was always told, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
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