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Home >> Pontiac >> 2009 >> Vibe Base, 2.4 0, AWD >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 113 (Engine Cooling System) >> Repair Instructions >> Cooling System Draining and Filling (Vac-N-Fill) >> Vac-N-Fill Procedure

Vac-N-Fill Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 Cadillac DTS. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE:

To prevent the boiling of the coolant/water mixture in the vehicle's 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  onto the coolant surge tank.
  2. Fig 1: Identifying Vac-N-Fill Cap
    GM1617435Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
  3. Attach the Vac N Fill cap to the vehicle's coolant fill port.
  4. Fig 2: Vacuum Gage & Vac N Fill cap
    GM1617436Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
  5. Attach the vacuum gauge assembly to the Vac N Fill cap.
  6. Fig 3: Identifying Fill Hose And Barb Fitting On Vacuum Gage Assembly
    GM1617437Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
  7. Attach the fill hose to the barb fitting on the vacuum gauge assembly.

    Ensure that the valve is closed.

  8. Fig 4: View Of Graduated Reservoir & Hose
    GM1617438Courtesy 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.
  10. Place the fill hose in the graduated reservoir.
  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 on the graduated reservoir with the fill hose routed through the cut-out area in the vacuum tank.
  13. Fig 5: View Of Venturi Assembly & Vacuum Tank
    GM1617439Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
  14. Attach the venturi assembly to the vacuum tank.
  15. Fig 6: View Of Shop Air Hose & Venturi Assembly
    GM1617440Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
  16. Attach a shop air hose to the venturi assembly.

    Ensure the valve on the venturi assembly is closed.

  17. Fig 7: Identifying Vacuum Hose, Vacuum Gage Assembly & Vacuum Tank
    GM1617441Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
  18. Attach the vacuum hose to the vacuum gauge assembly and the vacuum tank.
  19. Clamp the overflow hose closed.
  20. Fig 8: Identifying Valve On Venturi Assembly
    GM1617442Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
  21. Open the valve on the venturi assembly. The vacuum gauge will begin to rise and a hissing noise will be present.
  22. Fig 9: View Of Vacuum Gauge
    GM1617443Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
  23. Continue to draw vacuum until the needle stops rising. 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: Identifying Valve On Vacuum Gage Assembly
    GM1617446Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
  26. Slowly open the valve on the vacuum gauge assembly. 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. 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: View Of Vacuum Gauge & Radiator
    GM1617448Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
  31. Once the vacuum gauge reaches zero, close the valve on the vacuum gauge assembly and repeat steps 12-18.
  32. Detach the Vac N Fill cap from the vehicle's coolant fill port.
  33. Remove the J 42401  from the coolant surge tank.
  34. Add coolant to the system as necessary.
  35. Use the J 26568  to inspect the concentration of the coolant mixture using .
  36. NOTE:

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

  37. Detach the vacuum hose from the vacuum gauge assembly.
  38. Fig 12: Identifying Extraction Hose & Vacuum Hose
    GM1617450Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
  39. Attach the extraction hose to the vacuum hose.
  40. Fig 13: Identifying Valve On Venturi Assembly
    GM1617453Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
  41. Open the valve on the venturi assembly to start a vacuum draw.
  42. Fig 14: Using Extraction Hose To Draw Out Coolant
    GM1617456Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
  43. Use the extraction hose to draw out coolant to the proper level.
  44. 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.
  45. Install the surge tank cap.