2016 Mazda 3 coolant change - Are two D&Rs enough?

xsr

Joined
Jan 19, 2023
Messages
51
Hi all, I changed out the coolant on my 2016 Mazda 3 Skyactiv with about 130,000 km (~81k miles).
The car still had the original FL22 coolant so I decided to do two D&R cycles.
I used Zerex Asian Blue.


First D&R
  • Drained about 3 liters from the radiator drain.
  • Sucked out roughly 250ml from the reservoir.
  • Refilled with Zerex Asian Blue.
  • After several heat cycles and a long highway trip (about 175 miles), I checked the radiator and had to add about 200-250 ml more coolant after some air came out of the system.

Second D&R
  • Did it after the coolant had time to mix.
  • Drained about 2.8-2.9 liters from the radiator.
  • Refilled with Zerex.
  • Drove the car until operating temperature (~87-89°C coolant temp).
  • Let it cool overnight

Next morning the radiator needed only about 60-70ml to top up.

Coolant temp is normal. No leaks.

Should I do one more D&R, or is two cycles enough at this point?

IMG_1975.webp


IMG_2058.webp
 
Yup. Do the refresh BEFORE whatever fluid gets dirty.
People look so puzzled when I tell them this basic maintenance program.

NOTE:
The radiator in a 2010 Honda I maintained drained exactly 1 gallon of coolant when the drain rooster was opened.
Honda pre-mix came in gallons.
D'ya think that was by design?
 
I need to do the job on my Mazda6. Admittedly I'm a bit behind as it's at 179k miles, but I've done the strip tests and it still checks good. I'll do it before 200k to be sure.

Was there any air pockets to get rid of or was it a simple fillup? My 2000 Miata had a nasty air pocket that had to be burped when changing coolant.
 
Back
Top Bottom