Directions for cooling system flush and refill for 1998 Buick LeSabre. Thanks

Best Answers

• slinger1 Member Posts: 28

  April 2014 Answer ✓

  Here you go:

  Draining Procedure
  Warning! As long as there is pressure in the cooling system, the temperature can be considerably higher than the boiling temperature of the solution in the radiator without causing the solution to boil. Removal of the pressure cap while the engine is hot and pressure is high will cause the solution to boil instantaneously -- possibly with explosive force -- spewing the solution over the engine, fenders and the person removing the cap.
  1. Completely drain the cooling system by opening the radiator drain cock at the bottom of the radiator.
  2. If the coolant is dirty, or if there are deposits in the radiator, flush the cooling system before refilling. Refer to Flushing (see below) .
  3. Remove the radiator pressure cap.
  3.1. Clean the cap.
  3.2. Test the cap. Refer to Pressure Cap Testing
  3.3. If necessary, replace the cap.
  3.4. Clean the radiator filler neck. Inspect the filler neck.
  4. Disconnect the hose from the coolant recovery reservoir. Remove the reservoir. Refer to Coolant Recovery Reservoir Replacement (see below).
  4.1. Clean the outside of the coolant recovery reservoir.
  4.2. Pour out any fluid.
  4.3. Thoroughly clean the inside of the reservoir using soap and water.
  4.4. Thoroughly flush the reservoir with clean water. Drain the reservoir.
  5. Install the reservoir. Connect the reservoir hose. Refer to Coolant Recovery Reservoir Replacement .

  Filling Procedure
  1. Refill the cooling system with GM Goodwrench® DEX-COOL® or Havoline® DEX-COOL®. To ensure sufficient engine cooling, freezing and corrosion protection, maintain the protection level at -37°C (-34°F) lower. Use a solution that is no more than 70 percent antifreeze.
  2. Place the heater and A/C control in any A/C mode except Max and the temperature in the highest setting.
  3. Allow the engine to continue idling until the lower radiator to coolant pump hose is hot.
  4. Cycle the engine speed up to about 3000 rpm and back to idle five times. Slowly open the bleed valve on the rear of the thermostat housing for approximately 15 seconds to expel any trapped air in the cooling system.
  5. After the air has been expelled, fill the radiator. Install the radiator pressure cap, making sure the arrows on the cap line up with the coolant recovery tube.
  6. Allow the engine to cool to outside temperature. Check the coolant level in the reservoir.

  Flushing
  (here is all I could find on flushing, no specific procedure:)
  Various methods and equipment may be used to flush the system. If using special equipment such as a back flusher, follow the manufacturer's instructions. However, the thermostat should be removed before flushing the system.

  Coolant Recovery Reservoir Replacement

  Removal Procedure
  Warning! Unless directed otherwise, the ignition and start switch must be in the OFF or LOCK position, and all electrical loads must be OFF before servicing any electrical component. Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent an electrical spark should a tool or equipment come in contact with an exposed electrical terminal. Failure to follow these precautions may result in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or its components.

  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
  2. Disconnect the positive battery cable.
  3. Remove the battery.
  4. Drain the coolant. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling .
  5. Remove the reservoir mounting bolts.
  6. Disconnect the coolant hose.
  7. Remove the coolant recovery reservoir.

  Installation Procedure
  1. Connect the coolant hose to the coolant recovery reservoir.
  2. Install the coolant recovery reservoir.
  Caution!
  Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
  3. Install the mounting bolts.
  Tighten the recovery reservoir mounting bolts to 13 N·m (10 lb ft).
  4. Install the battery.
  5. Connect the positive battery cable.
  6. Connect the negative battery cable.
  7. Refill the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling .

  Hope this helps!

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• slinger1 Member Posts: 28

  April 2014 Answer ✓

  You're welcome! Yes, that sounds like your problem. Does the thermostat need replacing? After further reading I saw that these cars don't have a coolant valve in the heater system, rather the airflow is either channeled through the core for heating or blocked off when not needed. That means if one hose is much warmer than the other that there is some blockage going on. Make sure you flush the hoses themselves, too, or replace them. Keep me posted.

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