Draining Procedure

CAUTION: 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.

CAUTION: As long as there is pressure in the cooling system, the temperature can be considerably higher than the boiling temperature of the solution in the radiator without causing the solution to boll. Removal of the pressure cap while the engine is hot and pressure is high will cause the solution to boll instantaneously - possibly with explosive force - spewing the solution over the engine, fenders and the person removing the cap.

Ensure that the system has cooled, then remove the radiator filler cap.
Place a drain pan under the radiator drain cock.
Install a tube on the drain cock, if necessary.

Fig 1: Installing Tube On Drain Cock

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Place the end of the tube in the drain pan.
Open the drain cock completely.
Allow the cooling system to drain until the flow stops. If only the radiator is drained, up to 40 percent of the old coolant will remain in the system.

Fig 2: Radiator Drain Cock & Tube
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Place a drain pan under the engine.
Remove the drain plug from the side of the engine block, 2.2L shown.

Fig 3: Engine Block Drain Plug (2.2L)
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the drain plugs from each side of the engine block, 4.3L shown.
- There may be more drainage from the radiator at this time.
- Allow the engine block to drain until the flow stops.
Fig 4: Engine Block Drain Plugs (4.3L)
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

NOTE: Refer to FASTENER NOTICE .

Important: Dispose of the used engine coolant properly. Store the used coolant in a used coolant Holding Tank awaiting proper disposal or recycling. Do not pour used coolant down the drain. Dex-Cool® antifreeze is a very toxic chemical. Disposal into the sewer system or into the ground water is both environmentally irresponsible and illegal.
- If the drained coolant is discolored, flush the cooling system. Refer to Flushing .
- If the drained coolant appears normal, continue with the filling procedure.
Apply a sealer, GM P/N 12346004 (Canadian P/N 10953480) to the threads and then tighten the engine block drain plugs.
Tighten
- Tighten the engine block drain plugs 2.2L to 15 N.m (11 lb ft).
- Tighten the engine block drain plugs 4.3L to 18 N.m (13 lb ft).