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Home >> GMC >> 2018 >> Acadia Denali, FWD >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 174 (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 2017 Cadillac ATS. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
    NOTE:

    To prevent boiling of the coolant/water mixture in the vehicles cooling system, do not apply vacuum to a cooling system above 49°C (120°F). The tool will not operate properly when the coolant is boiling.

  1. Install the J-42401  Radiator Cap and Surge Tank Test Adapter to the coolant surge tank.
  2. Fig 1: Radiator Cap & Surge Tank Test Adapter
    GM2846164Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
    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 J-42401  Radiator Cap and Surge Tank Test Adapter (1) to the vehicles surge tank coolant fill port.
  4. Fig 2: Vacuum Gauge Assembly & Vac N Fill Cap
    GM2846165Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
  5. Attach the vacuum gauge assembly (1) to the Vac N Fill cap (2).
  6. Fig 3: Vacuum Gauge Assembly & Fill Hose
    GM2846166Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
  7. Attach the fill hose (1) to the barb fitting on the vacuum gauge assembly (2).

    Ensure that the valve is closed.

  8. Fig 4: Graduated Reservoir, Vacuum Tank & Cut-Out Area
    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.

  9. Pour the coolant mixture into the graduated reservoir (1).
  10. Place the fill hose in the graduated reservoir (1).
  11. 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.

  12. Install the vacuum tank (2) on the graduated reservoir with the fill hose routed through the cut-out area (3) in the vacuum tank.
  13. Fig 5: Vacuum Tank & Venturi Assembly
    GM2846171Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
  14. Attach the venturi assembly (1) to the vacuum tank (2).
  15. Fig 6: Venturi Assembly & Valve
    GM2846172Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
  16. Attach a shop air hose to the venturi assembly (1).

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

  17. Fig 7: Vacuum Hose, Gauge Assembly & Tank
    GM2846173Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
  18. Attach the vacuum hose (1) to the vacuum gauge assembly (2) and the vacuum tank (3).
  19. Clamp off the overflow hose.
  20. Fig 8: Valve & Venturi Assembly
    GM2846175Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
  21. Open the valve (1) on the venturi assembly (2). The vacuum gauge will begin to rise and a hissing noise will be present.
  22. Fig 9: Vacuum Gauge Needle
    GM2846177Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
  23. 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.

  24. To aid in the fill process, position the graduated reservoir above the coolant fill port.
  25. Fig 10: Vacuum Gauge Assembly & Needle
    GM2846183Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
  26. 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.
  27. Close the valve on the venturi assembly.
  28. 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 .

  29. Open the valve on the vacuum gauge assembly. The vacuum gauge will drop as coolant is drawn into the system.
  30. Fig 11: Vacuum Gauge At Zero
    GM2846187Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
  31. Once the vacuum gauge reaches zero (1), close the valve on the vacuum gauge assembly and repeat steps 11-17.
  32. Remove the J-42401  Radiator Cap and Surge Tank Test Adapter.
  33. Detach the J-42401  Radiator Cap and Surge Tank Test Adapter from the vehicle fill port.
  34. Add coolant to the system as necessary until the coolant reaches the FULL COLD fill lines on both the radiator surge tank and coolant overflow bottle.
  35. Install the surge tank cap and close the cap on the overflow bottle.
  36. Start the engine.
  37. Run the engine at 2, 000-2, 500 RPM until the engine reaches normal operating temperature.
  38. Allow the engine to idle for 3 minutes.
  39. Shut the engine OFF.
  40. Allow the engine to cool.
  41. Add or remove coolant as necessary from the surge tank and overflow bottle until the levels are stabilized at the FULL COLD marks.
  42. Inspect the cooling system for leaks.
  43. Inspect the concentration of the engine coolant using the J-26568  Coolant and Battery Fluid Tester.
  44. Rinse away any excess coolant from the engine and the engine compartment.
  45. 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.