Coolant flush machine that sucks

[dishdude]

Today I stopped at a quickie lube to get my truck smogged, and I asked about the coolant service. The tech told me that the machine they have connects to the radiator (or in my case overflow tank) and sucks all of the coolant in the system out, which is then replaced by a fresh fill.

Does this sound right?

 

[DieselTech]

They are using a quick draw machine. They work okay no problems really. They pull a nice vaccuum while filling so there is no chance of air pockets.

 

[CourierDriver]

So how do u get rid of an air pocket and if u hve one in ur coolant system, what happens internally????

 

[SteveSRT8]

many newer cars have a very specific procedure for refilling.

I would check the factory manual and read up a bit. It can involve removing hoses and back filling, pulling a fitting, bleeder screws, etc.

I know you can fill a late model GMC V8 with gallons of coolant and still overheat the [censored] out of it!

 

[ps49556n]

Originally Posted By: CourierDriver
So how do u get rid of an air pocket and if u hve one in ur coolant system, what happens internally????


With a cold engine grab your 50/50 mix of proper coolant and distilled H2O, remove the radiator cap, start the engine and watch the coolant level in the radiator...if you have air in the system the coolant in the radiator will bubble and the level will slowly drop....add coolant slowly as needed.

If you have air in the cooling system and do not address it, over time you risk cavitation in your water pump and reduced cooling efficiency.

 

[SteveSRT8]

Originally Posted By: ps49556n

With a cold engine grab your 50/50 mix of proper coolant and distilled H2O, remove the radiator cap, start the engine and watch the coolant level in the radiator...if you have air in the system the coolant in the radiator will bubble and the level will slowly drop....add coolant slowly as needed.

If you have air in the cooling system and do not address it, over time you risk cavitation in your water pump and reduced cooling efficiency.



Nice try but if you own a late model GM V8 this can destroy a good engine. Please do not do this!

As stated, read the service manual and determine the correct procedure first!

 

[DieselTech]

By jacking the front end of the vehicle up it will burp itself as you fill. Machine flushing does not hurt anything.....Way to many shops utilize them including dealers. This is really not any new technology.

I'm sure the OP is talking about his recent purchased 06 f150.

As long as they are using the correct product there is absolutley no worry using this type of machine

 

[dishdude]

Originally Posted By: DieselTech
By jacking the front end of the vehicle up it will burp itself as you fill. Machine flushing does not hurt anything.....Way to many shops utilize them including dealers. This is really not any new technology.

I'm sure the OP is talking about his recent purchased 06 f150.

As long as they are using the correct product there is absolutley no worry using this type of machine


I was asking in reference to the recently purchased F-150. I have always just done a quick drain and refill on my own, but I just happened to glance over while they were doing the smog and saw a gallon of Zerex G-05 50/50, so I asked the guy what type of machine they used. I really had no idea how a coolant flush machine would work unless it was connected into the heater or rad hoses. This makes sense, but it seems that the machine would really have to have some suction in order to draw all of the old fluid out.

I would think doing this on a hot engine could be an issue though.

 

[DieselTech]

Souns like the LT wasnt any sort of a geniuse by any means. You will have 1 connection on the top rad hose and then the connection on top of the coolant degas bottle. Then flush the old product out reconnect hose. There will be a slight vaccum put on the system as it fills through the degas bottle.

If they dont know how to use the machine dont let them do it. Really though no harm is done if done correctly

 

[SteveSRT8]

Like most machines, the technician operating it needs to know what he's doing.

I have looked at these machines, but they seem like the transmission fluid exchanger I had from B&G. It was nothing but a cabinet with a bladder and a large container. New they sold for thousands - I bought mine at a garage sale.

I'm wondering where is all the technology for the price?

If I can simply install a fitting into my hose somewhere and flush and refill in the driveway... you see where I'm going.