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Home >> Chevrolet >> 2020 >> Malibu LS >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 17 (Engine Cooling System) >> Repair Instructions >> Cooling System Draining and Filling (GE-47716) >> Vac-N-Fill Procedure

Vac-N-Fill Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Install the GE-42401-A  Radiator Cap and Surge Tank Test Adapter onto the coolant surge tank.
  2. 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.

  3. Attach the Vac N Fill cap to the GE-42401-A  Radiator Cap and Surge Tank Test Adapter.
  4. GM4296715Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

    Attach the vacuum gauge assembly (1) to the Vac N Fill cap.

  5. GM4296717Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

    Attach the fill hose (2) to the barb fitting on the vacuum gauge assembly (1).

    Ensure that the valve is closed.

  6. GM2846170Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
    NOTE:

    Use a 50/50 mixture of DEX-COOL antifreeze and clean, drinkable water.

    Always use more coolant than necessary. This will eliminate air from being drawn into the cooling system.

    Pour the coolant mixture into the graduated reservoir (1).

  7. Place the fill hose in the graduated reservoir (1).
  8. NOTE:

    Prior to installing the vacuum tank onto the graduated reservoir, ensure that the drain valve located on the bottom of the tank is closed.

  9. Install the vacuum tank (2) on the graduated reservoir with the fill hose routed through the cut-out area (3) in the vacuum tank.
  10. GM2846171Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

    Attach the venturi assembly (1) to the vacuum tank (2).

  11. GM2846172Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

    Attach a shop air hose to the venturi assembly (1).

    Ensure the valve (2) on the venturi assembly is closed.

  12. GM4320146Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

    Attach the vacuum hose (1) to the vacuum gauge assembly (2) and the vacuum tank (3).

  13. GM2846175Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

    Open the valve (1) on the venturi assembly (2). The vacuum gauge will begin to rise and a hissing noise will be present.

  14. GM2846177Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

    Continue to draw vacuum until the needle stops rising (1). This should be 610-660 mm Hg (24-26 in Hg).

    Cooling hoses may start to collapse. This is normal due to vacuum draw.

  15. To aid in the fill process, position the graduated reservoir above the coolant fill port.
  16. GM2846183Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

    Slowly open the valve (1) on the vacuum gauge assembly (2). When the coolant reaches the top of the fill hose, close the valve. This will eliminate air from the fill hose.

  17. Close the valve on the venturi assembly.
  18. If there is a suspected leak in the cooling system, allow the system to stabilize under vacuum and monitor for vacuum loss.

    If vacuum loss is observed, refer to Loss of Coolant .

  19. Open the valve on the vacuum gauge assembly. The vacuum gauge will drop as coolant is drawn into the system.
  20. GM3242386Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

    Once the vacuum gauge reaches zero (1), close the valve on the vacuum gauge assembly and repeat steps 11 - 17.

  21. Detach the Vac N Fill cap from the GE-42401-A  Radiator Cap and Surge Tank Test Adapter.
  22. Remove the GE-42401-A  Radiator Cap and Surge Tank Test Adapter from the coolant surge tank.
  23. Add coolant to the system as necessary.
  24. Inspect the concentration of the coolant mixture using GE-26568  Coolant and Battery Fluid Tester.
  25. NOTE:

    After filling the cooling system, the extraction hose can be used to remove excess coolant to achieve the proper coolant level.

  26. Detach the vacuum hose from the vacuum gauge assembly.
  27. GM2857825Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

    Attach the extraction hose (1) to the vacuum hose (2).

  28. GM2857827Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

    Open the valve (1) on the venturi assembly (2) to start a vacuum draw.

  29. GM4296737Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

    Use the extraction hose (1) to draw out coolant to the proper level.

  30. The vacuum tank has a drain valve on the bottom of the tank. Open the valve to drain coolant from the vacuum tank into a suitable container for disposal.
  31. Install the surge tank cap.