Draining Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 GMC Sonoma, 2003 GMC Jimmy, 2003 Chevrolet S10 Pickup, and 2003 Chevrolet Blazer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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 boil. Removal of the pressure cap while the engine is hot and pressure is high will cause the solution to boil instantaneously - possibly with explosive force - spewing the solution over the engine, fenders and the person removing the cap.

Remove the radiator filler cap.
Place a drain pan under the lower radiator hose.
Using J 38185 reposition the radiator inlet hose clamp from the radiator.
Remove the radiator inlet hose from the radiator.
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.
Place a drain pan under the engine.
Remove the drain plug from the side of the engine block, if equipped with a 2.2L.
Remove the drain plugs from each side of the engine block, if equipped with a 4.3L.
- There may be more drainage from the radiator at this time.
- Allow the engine block to drain until the flow stops.
NOTE: Refer to FASTENER NOTICE in Cautions and Notices.

Important: Dispose of the used engine coolant properly. Store the used coolant in a used coolant Holding Tank awaiting proper disposal. 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.
  
  Fig 2: Removing Drain Plug From Both Sides Of Engine Block
  Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Apply 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).