Flush Cooling System

PY18381
PY18381-UN-14APR14

Drain Valve

PY18042
PY18042-UN-09APR14

Radiator Cap

PY18043
PY18043-UN-09APR14

A - Radiator Cap

B - Drain Valve

C - Cold Start Aid Switch

D - Thermostat Cover


For efficient operation, drain old coolant, flush the entire system, and fill with clean coolant at least once every two years.

  1. CAUTION: DO NOT remove radiator cap or drain coolant until coolant is cold (temperature gauge should be below the green striped zone). Always loosen radiator cap or drain valve slowly to relieve any excess pressure.

    Drain coolant - Remove radiator cap (A). Open drain valve (B) on radiator and drain coolant from radiator. Drain coolant from engine block.

  2. IMPORTANT: Thermostat must be removed to ensure a thorough flush.

    Remove thermostat cover (D), remove thermostat, and install cover (without thermostat). Tighten cap screws to specification.

    ItemMeasurementSpecification
    Thermostat Cover Cap ScrewsTorque47 N˙m (35 lb-ft)

  3. Flush system with water - Close all drain valves/plugs and fill system with clean water. Run engine about 10 minutes to stir up possible rust or sediment. Stop engine and drain water from system before rust and sediment settle.

  4. Flush system with radiator cleaner - Close all drain valve/plugs, reinstall cold start aid switch (C) and fill the cooling system with a good commercial radiator cleaner and water. Follow instructions provided with cleaner. Stop engine and immediately drain system.

  5. Flush system with water - Close all drain valves/plugs, reinstall cold start aid switch (C) and fill with clean water to flush the system. Run the engine about 10 minutes, then drain out flushing water.

  6. PY18043
    PY18043-UN-09APR14

    C - Cold Start Aid Switch

    D - Thermostat Cover

    Remove thermostat cover (D) and clean off the gasket material. Apply gasket sealant to new gasket and install thermostat and cover. Tighten cap screws to specification.

    ItemMeasurementSpecification
    Thermostat Cover Cap ScrewsTorque47 N˙m (35 lb-ft)



  7. Fill with fresh coolant - Close all drain valves/plugs and fill with coolant as specified in the Fuels, Lubricants, and Coolant section.

  8. Check coolant level - Fill radiator to the top of the filler neck and fill the recovery tank to the “LOW” mark. Run the engine until operating temperature is reached. Let the engine cool (preferably overnight) and recheck the coolant level. Coolant level with a cold engine should be at the “LOW” mark. An engine at operating temperature should have a coolant level at the “FULL” mark. When filling the cooling system it may require several operating/cooling periods to stabilize the coolant level in the system. Add make-up coolant to the recovery tank as needed to bring the coolant level to the correct mark.

SD74272,00004D9-19-20140707