Coolant "rinse"? Also, during an extended OCI?

[ltslimjim]

This is in relevance to an app running an extended OCI and the 'potential' variables that changing the coolant/anti-freeze out(including a rinse phase) may have on oil life during interval. I was wondering if there would be any harm in changing out the coolant now and going another 8,000 miles on this current fill(5 months or so)?

Some of the reasons for asking:

What are the risks of running the engine too hot while doing a 'flush' the following way(more of a rinse phase trying to mix the new coolant with remnants of the Prestone, and drain that as well)...

Drain radiator with engine cold(?)

Re-insert plug into radiator after draining

Fill via thermostat location(top of radiator) with engine running(heater on high/vent) using either Honda's HG-II pre-mix or Amsoil's coolant(diluted to a 50/50 mixture with purified/distilled water)

Allow engine to idle to "operating" temp(trans cooling fan coming on at least once, perhaps twice?), then drain and refill to the right 'eye' test via the radiator fill neck.



The concern is that I want to get away from Prestone 50/50 in the yellow bottle marketed as "Extended Life"; since I want the 'best' for the old Honda Civic(overkill at this point, perhaps but I'd rather be thorough and learn to do a coolant change myself etc), unless I'm mistaken and the Prestone that I'm currently using is the best for this app?

My final question and concern for temp is related to the reservoir being filled while doing the 'rinse' phase. Should it be empty(still connected) or have it filled with fresh of the new 'preferred' coolant in the event it wants to induce some to aid in cooling and prevent it from sucking air?

Thanks and yes I am still learning.

 

[eljefino]

You won't overheat the oil. You usually have to remove the thermostat to flush "correctly" anyway. The rad fans coming on are part of "situation normal" for any car.

 

[ltslimjim]

I see. I suppose the correct way of putting it would be myself having 'concern' of creating a condition that may allow the oil to 'thin' at all. I suppose overheating the oil would be under load etc.; not just the described service/scenario.

Trying to learn how to do things right the first time.

Thank you.

 

[oggb]

Nah, don't worry about the oil.

Why are you worried about the coolant? I mean, I don't like the extended life stuff either, but do those Honda engines seem OK with it? Is it the correct type of fluid?

If so it probably isn't hurting anything.

Not that I'd put extended life even in my little beater car. So I guess I see where you're coming from. I guess I dislike treating cars badly - even if they are cheap old beaters.

Edit: Also, I'm assuming you've done this before. If not - go to your local parts place and get one of those nifty funnel kits. I have one and I absolutely LOVE the thing. This is what I have, and it works quite well:

http://www.amazon.com/Lisle-24610-Spill-Free-Funnel/dp/B001A4EAV0

It's nice because you can start the engine, and when the coolant begins to warm up and expand and/or air burps out of the system you don't make a huge mess.

 

[ltslimjim]

^It's exactly that. If I had to use it?? It is 'working', at it's primary function, yet I feel I can do better. A Honda "master tech" that performed some major work on it last year(timing belt/water pump etc) only uses it in the older Honda's he works on, but any vehicle spec'd for HG-II gets the goods from him.

I just don't want more aluminum corrosion in any way attributed to the use of Prestone's "ALL makes, ALL models, etc etc" if it isn't "as good" at protecting aluminum than Honda's product or even Amsoil's; which I know less about but is marketed as a good option for aluminum part protection.

 

[oggb]

I think coolant is one of those things where you really can't go wrong with what it says in the manual.