How to drain 454 radiator without a mess
I have a 1994 Winn. Adventurer with the Chev. 454, and it's time to do my first cooling system flush and fill. The radiator drain has a tube that could take a hose, but it is right down against part ...
Forum Discussion
steve_g wrote:By a 6 hr gentle chemical flush do you mean putting a can of Prestone flush and driving for 6 hrs? Or something else?
Thanks to everyone that replied! I was thinking that it would be best to only use the drain side of the radiator, as that is the side where gunk in the coolant enters, but I guess it all depends on how much is there. I used a big galvanised tub that I have had for years instead of a concrete mixing tub (a really good suggestion). I don't think I spilled more than a quart. Took out the thermostat, removed and replaced the block drain plugs, filled with clean water, and ran it for awhile to flush out all the various heater hoses, etc. I let it cool down overnight, I'll drain it this evening.
I have one more question. When I removed the block drains, nothing came out until I punched out the deposits blocking the holes. Even though this engine only has 70k miles, it seems I may need to do the six-hour (gentle) chemical flush. What do you think?
Steve in Roseville, MN
