
	Intro: Before you begin Step 1: Clean the radiator front and fan Step 2: Place a drain pan Step 3: Remove the radiator pressure cap Step 4: Inspect the radiator pressure cap Step 5: Inspect the clamps and the hoses Step 6: Drain the radiator Step 7: Rinse the radiator Step 8: Add the coolant mixture to the radiator Step 9: Bleed the system Step 10: Replace the pressure cap Step 11: Clean up







	Antifreeze: a.k.a., ethylene glycol, a chemical that prevents the engine from going to an extreme temperature, either too hot or too cold. Coolant: the mixture of antifreeze and distilled water that circulates in a car's cooling system. Cooling system: in a water-cooled engine, it consists of the engine's water jacket, a thermostat, a water pump, a radiator and radiator cap, a cooling fan, hoses, the heater core, and in newer vehicles, an expansion (overflow) tank. Fill spout: the location where the radiator cap screws on and the coolant is poured in. Petcock: the drain valve of the radiator, located at the base of the radiator. Radiator: a large bloack of metal that sits in front of your vehicle's engine. The coolant circulates through the radiator and is cooled down by a fan next to the radiator. The radiator sends the coolant on to the engine, where it keeps the engine within safe operating temperature. After it's heated up by the engine, the coolant circulates back to the radiator.

2torial #0714:
Learn2 Flush a Car Radiator (Continued)

Clean the radiator front and fan

Your vehicle's cooling system sucks in air as you drive, which means insects, dirt and leaves can be pulled into the fins of the radiator fan. This condition prevents air from passing easily through the radiator, and can cause your car to overheat.

Raise the engine hood. You need both hands for this job. Ensure that the hood is fixed securely in an open position. Your head will thank you.

Using a hose with a nozzle, a bucket of soapy water and a soft nylon brush, loosen the dead bugs (which likely will be crispy critters from all the radiator heat) and the other debris. Brush with the direction of the fins of the radiator fan, not against it. These thin metal fins are fragile and can be bent with this action if you're not careful.

Follow this gentle cleaning with a gentle stream of water on the front and rear of the radiator. Don't turn up the hose to full pressure--a concentrated blast of water can be actually bend the fins of the radiator.

In general, you should clean the radiator fins every 12,000 miles (19,000 km). Don't do it when the engine is hot; cold water can damage a hot engine. Wait until the engine has cooled before you start cleaning.

Step 2