How To Flush A V6 Cooling System

[johnnyk]

Chridda, I found your post many years ago when I had my VR commodore, and I still refer to it today, wanting to flush my BF falcon (don't judge me!).

Best guide I have come across!

 

[Fu Manchu]

you should also bleed this system!

This is very true.
The bleed screws are not ideal on the older models.
i have had my cooling system done a number of times by Holden and assorted mechanics for various reasons. always hear the coolant sloshing around through the heater.

I have a coolant bottle with the base cut off. Pushed on a slice of radiator hose onto where the lid goes. Now with some support it fits and seals in the radiator opening.

I have a garden glove on hand to wear.

Insert the coolant bottle reservoir and fill up 1/2 way with coolant mix.
Run the car at idle through several thermostat openings, topping up the fluid as it drops. This will still happen even if you bleed the air with bleed screws etc. Shows how little air comes out from them.

Then I get a helper to give the car some good revs and the amount of air that starts to come out again. Small bubbles give way to really big bubbles. levels continue to drop significantly as the air makes way.

i stop once the bubbles stop coming through. Takes about 30 mins or so.

I end up doing this after every time I do anything to the coolant system or someone else does.

This method was shown to me by a Holden technician. They had a special reservoir and I adapted mine from that idea.

It is extraordinary just how much air is trapped in the system after what is considered the normal bleed methods.

I use this method on my newer cars also.

 

[blakew18]

Instead of using the special Holden tool I use a Lisle Spill-free Funnel which is identical in purpose to the Holden one.

 

[VS_Pete]

Instead of using the special Holden tool I use a Lisle Spill-free Funnel which is identical in purpose to the Holden one.

How about a pic or link?

 

[Immortality]

https://www.amazon.com/Lisle-24680-Spill-Free-Funnel/dp/B00A6AS6LY

Google is your friend

 

[VS_Pete]

I`m to lazy and by the pic I need a degree.

Thanks for that.

 

[Immortality]

LOL, I'm to cheap so hose and bottle of anti-freeze is all I use. Minimal spillage and no issues bleeding air out. Don't even bother putting car on an angle to get the radiator higher.

I think patience is needed, make sure the heater is on full hot and bring engine up to temp, you'll know when the thermostat opens cause the coolent level will drop rapidly in radiator, continue to top up, check bleed screws etc.

I don't think it's rocket science......

 

[VS_Pete]

Never had any trouble with mine.
Tip I always run the heater tap up and down every now and then.

 

[VS_Pete]

Found a pic looks good.
One of those things you use every 2yrs.
Unless you do other cars.

 

[johnmw1]

Not sure how your supposed to remove the coolant reservoir on the VY V6 as it seems to be under the air filter assembly box and I cant see anyway of getting to it at all? Despite the Gregorys manual saying its attached with just 2 screws, maybe on another model but certainly not on the VY!

Cheers,
John