[CamaroChriSS]

Now that we're at 5 years for the 16s, I was wondering how much of a pain it is. On my 4th gen the radiator was easy, but getting to the engine drain plug was annoying. All I have seen online for the 6th gen is how to drain the radiator - anyone have a good step-by-step write up or video for getting everything, including flushing from the engine drain?

[MatthewAMEL]

I haven't done mine yet, but it's on the list for next year.


Here is from the GM Service Manual.


REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS > COOLING SYSTEM DRAINING AND FILLING (STATIC FILL)
> DRAINING PROCEDURE
WARNING:
To avoid being burned, do not remove the radiator cap or surge tank cap while the
engine is hot. The cooling system will release scalding fluid and steam under
pressure if radiator cap or surge tank cap is removed while the engine and radiator
are still hot.
Remove the coolant 1. pressure cap from the radiator.
Raise and support the vehicle. Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle (Base)Lifting and Jacking the
Vehicle (HP) .
2.
Remove the front compartment air deflector if equipped. Front Compartment Air Deflector
Replacement (Convertible - LGX, LTG)Front Compartment Air Deflector Replacement (Coupe -
LGX, LTG)Front Compartment Air Deflector Replacement (Coupe - LT1) .
3.
4. Place a clean drain pan under the radiator drain cock.
5. Loosen the radiator drain cock.
6. Drain the cooling system.
7. Lower the vehicle.
8. Inspect the coolant.
Follow the appropriate procedure based on the condition of the coolant.
1. Normal in appearance-Follow the filling procedure.
2. Discolored-Follow the flush procedure. Flushing .
9.
10. Tighten the radiator drain cock.
Install the front compartment air deflector if equipped. Front Compartment Air Deflector
Replacement (Convertible - LGX, LTG)Front Compartment Air Deflector Replacement (Coupe -
LGX, LTG)Front Compartment Air Deflector Replacement (Coupe - LT1) .
11.
12. Lower the vehicle.
REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS > COOLING SYSTEM DRAINING AND FILLING (STATIC FILL)
> FILLING PROCEDURE
CAUTION:
The procedure below must be followed. Improper coolant level could result in a low
or high coolant level condition, causing engine damage.
NOTE:
Use a 50/50 mixture of DEX-COOL antifreeze and clean drinkable water.
Slowly fill the radiator with a 50/50 coolant mixture until the coolant level is just below the
radiator fill neck. Approximate Fluid Capacities .
1.
Allow 30 seconds for the coolant level to stabilize and continue to fill the radiator until the level
stabilizes for at least 2 minutes.
2.
Start the engine and 3. allow to the engine to idle.
Slowly fill the coolant mixture until the level stabilizes at the just below the top of radiator fill
neck for at least 2 minutes.
4.
5. Install the coolant pressure cap.
6. Allow the engine to idle until the engine reaches normal operating temperature.
7. Shut the engine OFF.
8. Allow the engine to cool.
9. Remove the coolant pressure cap and top off the engine coolant in the radiator.
Inspect the concentration of the engine coolant using the J 26568 coolant and battery fluid
tester.
10.
11. Install coolant pressure cap.
12. Inspect and if necessary, fill the coolant reservoir bottle.
13. Rinse away any excess coolant from the engine and the engine compartment
14. Inspect the cooling system for leaks.
15. Top off the coolant reservoir if necessary.
Install the front compartment air deflector if equipped. Front Compartment Air Deflector
Replacement (Convertible - LGX, LTG)Front Compartment Air Deflector Replacement (Coupe -
LGX, LTG)Front Compartment Air Deflector Replacement (Coupe - LT1) .
16.
REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS > FLUSHING
NOTE:
When the cooling system becomes contaminated, the cooling system should be
flushed thoroughly to remove the contaminants before the engine is seriously
damaged.
This procedure is effective in removing contaminants caused by the use of improper
coolants, coolant at the end of its life, or some liquid chemical flushing agents. This
procedure is NOT effective for removing debris contamination caused by component
failure, or the use of 'stop leak' additives. When the system is contaminated by this
type of debris, use the system flow diagrams to identify components that may need
replacement to restore proper system flow.
Do not use chemical flush agents.
Store used coolant in the proper manner, such as in a used engine coolant holding
tank. Do not pour used coolant down a drain. Ethylene glycol antifreeze is a very toxic
chemical. Do not dispose of coolant into the sewer system or ground water. This is
illegal and ecologically unsound.
Various methods and equipment can be used to flush the cooling system. If special
equipment is used, such as a back flusher, follow the manufacturer's instruction.
Always remove the thermostat before flushing the cooling system.
Drain the cooling system. Cooling System Draining and Filling (GE 47716) Cooling System
Draining and Filling (Static Fill) .
1.
Remove the radiator surge tank. Radiator Surge Tank Replacement (LGX) Radiator Surge Tank
Replacement (LT1) Radiator Surge Tank Replacement (LTG) .
2.
Clean and flush the radiator surge tank with 3. clean, drinkable water.
Install the radiator surge tank. Radiator Surge Tank Replacement (LGX) Radiator Surge Tank
Replacement (LT1) Radiator Surge Tank Replacement (LTG) .
4.
Follow the drain and fill procedure using only clean, drinkable water. Cooling System Draining
and Filling (GE 47716) Cooling System Draining and Filling (Static Fill) .
5.
6. Run the engine for 20 minutes.
7. Stop the engine.
Drain the cooling system. Cooling System Draining and Filling (GE 47716) Cooling System
Draining and Filling (Static Fill)
8.
9. Repeat the procedure if necessary, until the fluid is nearly colorless.
Fill the cooling system. Cooling System Draining and Filling (GE 47716) Cooling System
Draining and Filling (Static Fill) .

[CamaroChriSS]

Incredibly helpful. Thank you!

[Trinder]

Yes my my coolant was flushed, they pressure tested the system and did the job all with a machine. This was at the Infiniti Dealer though, so take it back to the shop. How do you know it’s overheating without the needle going up?

[6spdhyperblue]

I just drained the radiator with the petcock twice. It seemed to have done the trick.