Cooling System Bleeding

CAUTION: DO NOT add cold water to the cooling system with the engine at or above operating temperature. Adding cold water causes rapid cooling, resulting in possible engine damage. When adding coolant, it is important that you use GM Goodwrench Dex-Cool(R) or Havoline(R) Dex-Cool(R) coolant. If coolant other than Dex-Cool(R) or Havoline(R) Dex-Cool(R) is added to the system, the engine coolant will require change sooner; at 30,000 miles or 24 months.

CAUTION: This engine uses Dex-Cool(R) and GM Coolant Supplement Sealant (3634621) specifically designed for use in aluminum engines. Failure to use the engine coolant supplement (sealant) and the approved coolant antifreeze could result in major engine damage. When refilling the cooling system (if system was completely drained), add 3 pellets of the engine coolant supplement sealant to the lower radiator hose. DO NOT use a solution stronger than 70 percent antifreeze. Pure antifreeze can freeze at -8°F (-22°C).

NOTE: Recover and store used coolant in a used coolant holding tank and submit the used coolant for recycling on a regular basis. DO NOT pour used coolant down the drain. Ethylene glycol antifreeze is very toxic. Disposing of ethylene glycol into the sewer system or ground water is both illegal and ecologically unsound.

CAUTION: The procedure below must be followed. Improper coolant level could result in a low or high coolant level condition, causing engine damage. Avoid spilling coolant mixture on engine parts. Coolant may cause undue corrosion. If coolant is spilled during procedure, rinse area with clean water.

NOTE: This cooling system bleeding procedure is for systems partially drained. If engine block drain is removed or replaced, water pump seal is broken or pump was replaced, thermostat removal, auxiliary coolant pump removal or complete engine removed or replaced, see appropriate COOLING SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS & DRIVE BELT ROUTING article in COOLING SYSTEM under ENGINES for special coolant fill procedure.

Raise and support vehicle. Install the lower radiator hose. Slide the clamp into the original position. Install the front air deflector. Install push in retainers in order to secure front air deflector to vehicle. Lower vehicle. Slowly add a mixture of 50/50 DEX-COOL(R) antifreeze and deionized water to cooling system through top of surge tank opening.
Fill cooling system until coolant reaches FULL COLD mark on surge tank. Install surge tank cap. Start engine. Run engine at 2,000-2,500 RPM until engine reaches normal operating temperature. Allow engine to idle for 3 minutes. Shut engine OFF. Allow engine to cool. Top off coolant as necessary. Inspect cooling system for leaks. Inspect concentration of engine coolant using coolant and battery fluid tester.