7 replies to this topic

[kenk]

Im about to flush and fill with zerex stuff. Haynes says that there is no need for a chemical flush, but I read in the archives that some use vinegar. I also read that some just use distilled water.

Whats the official volvo method? Should I just drain and fill? mine was flushed and filled about 2 years ago at 130k, I am at 182k now, so its time, any recomendations? I want to take care of this but I also do not want to create any more problems by making mistakes.

thanks so much
-ken

[ToxicLemonade]

Im about to flush and fill with zerex stuff. Haynes says that there is no need for a chemical flush, but I read in the archives that some use vinegar. I also read that some just use distilled water.

Whats the official volvo method? Should I just drain and fill? mine was flushed and filled about 2 years ago at 130k, I am at 182k now, so its time, any recomendations? I want to take care of this but I also do not want to create any more problems by making mistakes. 

thanks so much
-ken

WHOA killer, dont go to a stealership when you have everything you need for a coolant flush right at your house (assuming you have dishwaster detergent, a hose and you paid your water bill). Ill give it to you in steps and save you some $$$

1. turn car on and drive around to heat up
2. park car, open hood, then carefully open up petcock from bottom of radiator (on drivers side)
3. let hot coolant run into a pan or whatever and watch all the nasty stuff come out
4. when coolant is empty, put dishwasher detergent in coolant tank
5. run hose water into coolant tank, turn on car
6. let the car run while it cycles the detergent and fresh water through cooling system *still keep the hose on in the coolant tank to replace water exiting the petcock
7. if needed add more detergent and continue to flush car.
8. thank me for probably saving you 50 bucks.

hope this helps -Ryan Schwartz

[NateB]

Sounds like a plan- but I have never heard of using soap/detergent.

I have done the same process , minus the soap, for over 20 years with good luck.

Soap and cooling systems - that's a new one. Is this a process that Volvo mechanics recommend? I would be concerned that you would have trouble flushing all those bubbles out.

I'd vote for plain water - or a radiator flush from the auto parts store (I never use).

Edited by NateB, 18 July 2005 - 04:11 AM.

[Geevs]

Never heard of dishwater detergent either, and it must be a real chore to rinse out all the bubbles out of the engine. I've used white vinegar for rinsing with good results.

[Kashif]

When I did my flush I just used lots of plain water to completely flush out the system, and I also opened the engine drain petcock. When I refilled it I used Volvo coolant and only distilled water that I bought at Walmart for 89 cents.

Edited by Kashif, 18 July 2005 - 05:01 AM.

[kenk]

Yea I was not planning on going to the dealer. The flush I has was when I bought the car before I knew anything about how to fix. I was mainly looking to figure out if people flush, drain, etc.

Is there anything wrong with running the system with the cap off since its pressurized?

[NateB]

Yea I was not planning on going to the dealer. The flush I has was when I bought the car before I knew anything about how to fix. I was mainly looking to figure out if people flush, drain, etc.

Is there anything wrong with running the system with the cap off since its pressurized?

The way I flush my cooling system is to open up the radiator valve and also the drain plug at the back of the engine block (firewall side). I let everything drain out - then I tighten/close the drain plug on the engine block. I leave the radiator drain valve open and fill the radiator.

I start the engine and keep a hose running at the coolant reservoir to keep the system topped off. With the radiator drain valve still open - the system will after 20-30 minutes be flushed clean with fresh water. I stop the engine let it drain out and close the radiator valve. Then I add Prestone and water 50/50.

Easy job with no soap bubbles - just takes some time.

Remember - Get a proper maintenance manual and take your time- YMMV

Edited by NateB, 18 July 2005 - 06:43 AM.

[ToxicLemonade]

liquid dishwasher detergent doesnt make bubbles.