To Flush Or Not To Flush

It is that time of year when we start to worry about our cooling systems and overheating. One word of advice if you think your cooling system needs flushing do it. Better to be safe than sorry. If you have the orange dex cool then definitely flush if you see even the slightest hint of contamination. With the 3.8 it is expensive to replace the manifold and if you run dirty dex cool it is not a matter of if but when you will replace it. You may also replace the engine if too much coolant remains in the oil for too long. Many models have this same problem including the head gasket but the GM 3.8 and the Ford V6 seem to be worse.Flushing is really simple dirty out clean in. Drain the system after filling with water several times to get out as much old coolant as possible. If really corroded consider a cleaner. No matter how hard you try some will remain if you can access one a air pressure aided tool to form a vacuum and remove and install anti freeze is a great tool, just be sure your compressor is adequate to provide enough volume. My 35 gallon 140# works fine but it is close to the max. On many new vehicles it is almost impossible to reach the radiator drain. If you have a radiator with tanks on the side, which most are today. Slice a 7/16 hose, or anything close you have, at an angle and insert it into the rad all the way to the bottom, a blast of air across the hose and it will drain. It is a good idea to jack up the rear of the vehicle to aid draining. I use good old green anti freeze along with a bottle of water pump lube and anti corrosion. Many of the newer rice burners, and some others, require a certain type of anti freeze if you have one of these stick to manufactures recommendations.