How To Do a Complete Radiator Flush on your Car's Cooling System -Jonny DIY

Completely Flush your Car's Cooling System (Radiator, Engine, Heater Core) & Replace with Clean Fresh NEW Coolant.
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[@JonnyDIY]

*Tools & Supplies Used* Radiator Flush Cleaner- amzn.to/3ZX94bl Funnel- amzn.to/2wzdf2a Drain Pan- amzn.to/3fimJlv Disposable Gloves- amzn.to/3fpRncB Safety Glasses- amzn.to/2XXe3dI *If you Enjoy the Channel Consider Helping Support it by Donating below & by Subscribing.* *PAYPAL DONATION* www.paypal.me/JonnyDIY

[@user-fj1pq8me7w]

Fun fact radiator cleaner is sodium citrate which is citric acid vitamin C what's more fun of a fact is that it's used as an anticoagulation solution mixed with your red blood cells when they put it back in your body after donating plasma

[@cobracommander4378]

You make it so easy and simple, thanks for making this video it really helped me do my own flush. Other KZbinrs talk to much nonsense and make it sound more complicated.

[@JonnyDIY]

Glad to help, and glad you got it done 👍🏻

[@johnfarthing6174]

Good video! Fast and to the point! No nonsense talking. Thanks bud!

[@JonnyDIY]

Youre welcome, glad I could help 👍

[@michaelmcneal3793]

Hey Johnny I really appreciate this video cuz I wanted to do a radiator flush with the prestone radiator flush but sometimes I couldn't understand exact directions on the bottle and I asked around it's like nobody has a clue but I'm glad you posted this video of doing this with the prestone radiator flush so now I know exactly how it's has to be done thank you.

[@JonnyDIY]

You're very welcome. Glad I could help. Good luck with the flush 👍

[@dalemusic1901]

Amazing. Such a great video. Great insight and instructions. Thank you so much for not having a bunch of fluff and filler bs.

[@JonnyDIY]

You're welcome Dale glad to help. Thanks I try and keep only helpful information in 👍🏻

[@dalemusic1901]

Much appreciated my man. God bless and Merry Christmas to you and yours!

[@JonnyDIY]

@@dalemusic1901 Thank you, you too! 🎄

[@baldemarmiranda2067]

This is by far the best video I have seen. You explain everything well, step by step, thank you for sharing. Now I feel comfortable flushing out my radiator comfortably

[@JonnyDIY]

You're welcome, happy I could help you out. And thank you for your kind words 👍 Good luck with the flush

[@sunnystyles4084]

Amen! You're awesome :)

[@heathercubas3888]

Love a video that’s helpful & straight to the point! 👍🏽👍🏽 Hoping this fixes my one sided heat issue

[@JonnyDIY]

Glad I could help! 👍

[@jjb1974]

In this case, it may be necessary to disconnect the heater core hoses and back flush "gently" the heater core. What do you think Jonny? Yeah er nah.

[@MoPoppins]

You have the most amazing energy, Jonny! Thank you for making these concise, yet still detailed & complete videos! As the others have said, you just cut out the filler!

[@JonnyDIY]

Thank you for all your kind words. Glad to help 👍

[@larrycroft470]

As USUAL Jonny the is an EXCELLENT video!!! Many many years ago I was an avid DIYer on my cars. That was one of the PM chores I used to do. I used the Prestone also. However I neglected to use DI water - which is very important Thank you for taking time to make these videos. This old dog can learn new tricks!!

[@JonnyDIY]

Thanks for sharing Larry & thank you for all the kind words 👍🏻

[@kick_then_shift]

🛑🚨!!!!IMPORTANT!!!!🚨🛑 Great video but a piece of advice when swapping fluids you do not put the radiator cap back on before starting the vehicle and letting it run until you have burped all the bubbles out of the system. You want it to run long enough that the engine is up to running temp and the thermostat opens.

[@JonnyDIY]

Yes thank you my editing looks like it got a lil messed up right there woops 😄

[@frankpetrone183]

Thank u so much for the video straight to the point and extremely helpful u saved me from taking my truck in to a shop. Thanks great video man.

[@JonnyDIY]

Awesome. You're welcome, glad I could help you out 👍

[@prepperinprogressdenab850]

Thank you! Exactly what I needed!

[@JonnyDIY]

You're welcome, glad I could help you out 👍

[@josequintana5559]

Great video. Thanks for the info on concentrate antifreeze. Changed out all 3 of my belts, that was a job, but it's done,, now for the flushing & antifreeze. Very descriptive.

[@JonnyDIY]

You're welcome, glad I was able to help. Nice changing belts can be a chore! 👍

[@ibra7492]

@@JonnyDIY can I mixed the radiator flush with old coolant before drain it?

[@JonnyDIY]

@@ibra7492 I think the instructions want it to be mixed with water not coolant 👍

[@GabeBeastin]

Dude all your videos are awesome as a 22 yr man who honestly hasent been taught how to do alot of the stuff in your videos it really helps make me feel like not such a worthless dumbass ahaha saving our generation one at a time jonny also i saw u reply to a someones comment on a 4 yr old vid which is cool definitely earned a sub my man thanks

[@JonnyDIY]

Thank you for all the nice words Gabriel. Glad to help out 👍🏻 thanks for the sub 🤙

[@MatTheLesser]

Thanks man, I’m gonna give it a try, with your video I’m confident I’ll Git-R-Done

[@JonnyDIY]

You're welcome, glad I could help. You've got this, no problem 👍

[@CJ-yf8uo]

Great job. Love your hand gestures in front of that camera, lol. That should be your trademark.

[@JonnyDIY]

Thank you! Haha 😆👍

[@TEEDUBS]

Great video man. Love the enthusiasm

[@JonnyDIY]

Thanks 😁🤙🏼

[@akakgak]

Great vid. Very efficient. Thank you, sir.

[@JonnyDIY]

Thank you, and you're welcome happy I could help you out 👍

[@kikeleon8004]

very good tutorial,simple and easy, thanks so much.

[@JonnyDIY]

You're welcome, glad I could help you out 👍

[@Jay-fq8uz]

Thank you ! This was very well made

[@JonnyDIY]

You're welcome, happy I could help and thank you! 🙌👍

[@pedrosued]

Thanks bro! Keep pushing!!

[@JonnyDIY]

You're welcome, glad I could help! 👍

[@arturomolina7136]

Useful!👍🙏🏼thanks for sharing!❤

[@JonnyDIY]

You're welcome, happy to help 👍

[@manuelramos4608]

The best video for sure!

[@JonnyDIY]

thanks, glad to help! 👍

[@mikem.3308]

Great vid. Some dodge and jeeps take orange HOAT coolant. Very specific and cannot be substituted with general purpose green

[@JonnyDIY]

Thanks for sharing that Mike 👍

[@SabreVellerium]

We accidently put windshield wiper fluid in the radiator

[@JonnyDIY]

@@SabreVellerium Just flush well. Don't worry you're not the 1st and wont be the last

[@marcrgarcia]

Fantastic video!

[@JonnyDIY]

Thank you, happy to help! 👍

[@jeffh2125]

Thanks for the video. I'm thinking I may add 50/50 instead of the 2nd distilled water only rinse. That way, I'd have closer to 50/50 in the engine block after the second draining. Then I can add the 50/50 for final fill. I don't like guessing at the mixture. I have heard and read that adding more than 50/50 can also not be good.

[@JonnyDIY]

Good idea, you can also get a cheap little coolant tester so you can dial in the right ratio for freeze protection for where you live 👍

[@krystle4585]

Thank you for the super helpful video!! My van currently doesn’t have air or heat blowing . Would that be an issue since you need to blast heat during the flush?

[@JonnyDIY]

You're welcome, happy I could help. It helps to circulate fluid, but should be ok without it. May just need run engine longer to burp air 👍

[@markcook1072]

Great explanation thanks.

[@JonnyDIY]

You're welcome, glad to help 🙌👍

[@veggiepowered]

I'am Your Newest Subscriber Great Videos

[@JonnyDIY]

Thank you! 👍

[@dogbreathmints]

Very THOROUGH thank ya!.....I'm also curious if a pressurized flush from removing the bottom hose of the radiator or some type of service machine used if any of that would give similar results or not.

[@JonnyDIY]

You're welcome, glad to help. I usually dont recommend machine flushes as they can tend to clog things with the pressure or things dislodge shortly after process and system already closed. If really bad dirty system, Ill do this but run the cleaner for the max time and then maybe do a couple water flushes where I run it on just water

[@dogbreathmints]

@@JonnyDIY Thanks :)

[@larsonny77]

You mentioned there is water left in the block, how do I know I'm getting 50/50 if theres water left over? Especially for cold climates where it drops below freezing.

[@JonnyDIY]

I have a coolant tester only a few dollars cost $ that shows you to what temperature you're protected down to. Just search coolant or antifreeze tester 👍

[@HungryH1951]

Excellent! This will help me a great deal. I have never done this before and I think I have it down now and am ready to do the job. Thanks for posting this video. I appreciate it.

[@JonnyDIY]

You're welcome, happy I could help. Good luck 👍

[@majorpygge-phartt2643]

Hi, from England, UK. I think using a funnel for refilling would be a wise move to minimise spillages.

[@JonnyDIY]

Definitely! I have a bunch too, but was helping my Uncle and he didn't have any at his house 👍

[@peterh5358]

Thanks for the vid and work. One note though, you're using spring water, which has minerals in it, which people like, but it's not distilled water, it's more expensive, and those minerals will contribute to faster corrosion.

[@JonnyDIY]

You're welcome, happy to help 👍 ohh yeah I was just using those old containers to hold the water

[@williesanmartin9916]

Thank you bro

[@JonnyDIY]

You're welcome, glad I could help 👍

[@Pilikestortoises]

Do you need to purge the air out before you put the cap on and run it? My WRX keeps overheating because there are air pockets in the system and i feel like running it with air in the system while flushing will overheat jt again?

[@JonnyDIY]

If you let it run with the radiator cap off, it will burp all the air bubbles out. If you put it on slight incline or ramps (engine end higher) itll help even more to get them out 👍

[@mikew1368]

The only question I have is what do you do with all the waste product? I replaced my friend's lower radiator hose and refilled his radiator with new radiator fluid. I filled some old containers with the dirty fluid and hauled them to my nearest toxic waste disposal station. I refused to do the flush for him, since it would have been about 3 to 4 more gallons of dirty fluid (I didn't have enough containers handy). Are the requirements for the flush and dirty water mix different than for used radiator fluid? Maybe it's not toxic enough to worry about?

[@JonnyDIY]

Still toxic and should go to local hazardous waste facility. I just save up 1 gallon jugs (oil, coolant, water etc)

[@mikew1368]

Thank you for the reply. I do the same. I just ran out of extra ones. @@JonnyDIY

[@jonathanbaugher6051]

Hey question I'm putting on a new thermostat in my 2012 jeep wrangler I wanna do that first before I flush it right? Sorry this is going to be the first time doin my own mechanics on my vehicle. Video is great

[@JonnyDIY]

I actually would remove the old thermostat and then put back thermostat housing and then do the flush, then put new thermostat in after. It will circulate a lot better without thermostat in and give better results 👍

[@haroldpeagler1430]

Good information

[@JonnyDIY]

Thank you, happy to share 👍

[@tanyacannon1897]

This was a big help now i can do a good flush of my radiator and tell my broth i was right he was wrong

[@JonnyDIY]

Happy to help, good luck with project 👍

[@ratimaat9397]

Thank you

[@JonnyDIY]

You're welcome, glad to help 👍🏻

[@asbodo32]

Hey, I’ve got my first car and one thing I’ve got to replace is my thermostat, and essentially a coolant flush pretty much has to go with a thermostat replacement. My coolant is clean but it is green and being that the car is a Honda, it is recommended to use a blue type of coolant. So I would like to change the color of coolant, would this process work properly in this situation? I’m new to cars and this is by far the most simple vid to understand for me. Also, one last question, why is it that you leave the radiator cap closed during the heat and engine running process? I’m asking because most other vids on YT show having a funnel on the radiator cap and having the coolant bubble around. I know this is a lot of questions but if you could answer, it’d be great. I’m a beginner and one of the first things I will have to ever do is this

[@JonnyDIY]

If coolant looks fresh and clean I wouldnt worry about changing it. If you're going to replace thermostat already I guess it wouldn't hurt. Take thermostat out then do as I did, its best to remove thermostat if you can, helps circulate and flush better. You can leave cap off, I think I must have had it ajar. You can just leave off til process is done, and itll burp any air out. Can put front on ramps to help burp air as well

[@asbodo32]

@@JonnyDIY ah ok thank you so much

[@raphaelkachiwenga5331]

Dude new follower What about step by step procedure information?

[@Bartheo]

Ty good video

[@JonnyDIY]

You're welcome, glad to help 👍

[@linneanelson3534]

I have Presrone total cooling system cleaner, is it ok to drive around with that and leave it in sitting?

[@JonnyDIY]

You shouldnt leave in too long. Only max running it says is 3-6 hours. I would just drive it on the highway for a while if really gunked up then drain it👍

[@linneanelson3534]

@@JonnyDIY Wow thanks so much for replying even after all these years! This really helps me out, this is my first time doing any type of car repair like this, you've given me peace of mind! ❤

[@JonnyDIY]

@@linneanelson3534 you're welcome, good luck 👍

[@mychem8411]

Hey hope this is seen soon! I live in Canada and we have already had some snow. How do I do this in cold weather? Wouldn’t the water wanna freeze on me? I understand the process but am nervous about how its cold as shit outside and I don’t have a garage available. Thank you!! More detail the better please :)

[@JonnyDIY]

You can do this in cold temperature but you just cant let the car sit with just water in it if its below freezing temperatures. You can use warm tap water to add to radiator and then flush. It wont freeze with the engine running. If the coolant isnt horrible, it may be worth just doing a drain, and refill with coolant until spring. Then do the complete flush then if necessary. If coolant isn't too mucky you can just do the drain and fill 👍🏻

[@mychem8411]

@@JonnyDIY My coolant in my mazda 3 is most likely the original coolant. It’s a 2012 so its prob nasty for 260km on it. I can just put water in it still for the winter as long as I don’t leave it for like 1hr no running+?

[@JonnyDIY]

@@mychem8411 ohh ok yeah you probably need a flush. Yes just dont let the car sit with engine off and water in it. Itll be fine, just do as I did let it run then drain. Will probably need to run engine a bit longer in colder temps. 20-30 minutes after temperature gauge reads normal operating temperature

[@mychem8411]

@@JonnyDIY One last follow up question, I thought with the engine hot its risky to open up plugs like the radiator one due to it splashing up from the pressure giving you burns? How do I run my engine without that OR freezing yknow? I might have read false info though online. Really appreciate your quick and helpful replies

[@JonnyDIY]

@@mychem8411 You're welcome. You can leave radiator cap off during the process, just keep eye on temperature gauge to make sure not overheating. Some fluid will bubble over and out. If not comfortable with that, you can leave radiator cap on during running cycles, then wait 10 minutes after turning off, put a large towel over radiator cap and slowly open it to relieve any pressure, then remove 👍🏻

[@popoygravy5118]

Sir when choosing the 3-6 hrs driving cleaning with the cleanser and distilled water, do i need to remove the old air coolant in the reservoir and replace it with distilled water?

[@JonnyDIY]

I wouldn't worry about the reservoir when using the cleaner. But I'd dump it out or siphone it out and refill with fresh coolant after system all clean 👍

[@Sussy-hotdog]

I’m confused. So when are you suppose to take the thermostat out and do a back flush with a pressure hose or is that all overkill and never necessary? Thx.

[@JonnyDIY]

If you take the thermostat out and do the process I did it works completely fine. Taking thermostat out just helps circulate faster

[@jonalthoff639]

water hose attached heater hose open petcock and turn on water and flush all used fluid no cleaner no residue then fill with coolant then water to full residue and cleaner still in system is bad flushing through bottom of radiator clear gunk out of radiator as well but still very straight forward video awesome

[@JonnyDIY]

Great idea will have to try that 🙌👍

[@frankmontez6853]

I've 2016 Focus SE 2.0L and why does Ford not recommend alcohol or methanal coolant ? The one I just bought is supposed to be universal..but it's ethylene glycol

[@JonnyDIY]

I would use whatever the manufacturer recommends except old gm cars that used Dex cool. The universal coolant will be just fine, just be sure to flush system well to get all of previous coolant out

[@137bob3d]

well done. just what is needed as i tackle flushing my jeep cherokee I-6 engine after replacing the water pump. today i let the parked engine run for 2.5 Hr's to check for any leaks as it got well warmed up. the few drips in the first ten minutes stopped. and after cooling off for 30 minutes the cap was safely removed & about a pint of new water added to top off the radiator. tomorrow it will be taken for a 1-2 Hr road test . to further check that it is ready for a trip to the mtn's later this week. where cell service is spotty. oh , i will fill 4 empty gallon jugs with water for the ride , along with a good assortment of tools. since it took me 3 tries to get the new pump in without it leaking i got a lot of practice learning what all is involved. one thing in your vid' that was notable to learn was using regular tap water for the 1'st rinse. then for the final fill to use distilled water to mix with the coolant . plus how you kept the draining simple by using the stopcock. and not loosening any radiator hoses

[@JonnyDIY]

You're welcome, happy to help. Have a fun trip with the Jeep! 👍

[@HardlinerTheGeek]

Why didn't you replace the thermostat? Why not put the flush/cleaner in the reservoir? Also, did you empty the cooler each time you drained the radiator? I couldn't tell. If you didn't, how could you tell how clean your radiator is?

[@JonnyDIY]

Thermostat had been replaced within last 20k miles. Flush cleaner just goes in radiator as then itll circulate through engine. And by the last flush the water was draining clear from radiator drain spout 👍

[@laughter1954]

GUYS PLEASE HELP I NEED TO DO A radiator flush but I also need to add the gasket seal do I have to wait some time before I add the sealant after I do the radiator flush ?? Do I skip adding the coolant or do I add the coolant than wait a few min or days to add the sealant ???

[@JonnyDIY]

I would just drain whatever you have in system now, refill with water and the sealer. Best to remove thermostat too with sealer in. Let engine immediately idle or drive for 1 hour after putting sealant in. Then drain sealant and just flush with water. Put thermostat back in and add regular coolant. This is if youre using stop leak sealant for head gasket issue. If you're using sealant for bad radiator, you actually leave it in and dont drain it

[@stantonfriedman]

I noticed you were using spring water bottles. Did they have distilled water in them ?

[@JonnyDIY]

Yes I believe they were. Distilled water is best to use as it doesn't have the added minerals 👍

[@smokinhalf]

And full strength coolan/antifreeze is cheaper. Even though a gallon of pre-mix costs less per gallon it is "half strength". a gallon of distilled water plus a gallon of full strength makes you a cheaper 2 gallons.

[@JonnyDIY]

Yup that's exactly what I usually do if I can find the full strength in the kind of fluid I need.

[@KindCreature1]

Jonny, I accidently put less than a half gallon of Rain X, 2 in 1 windshield washer fluid in my radiator overflow reservoir in my 2001 Tahoe. A senior moment I guess. Any words of wisdom? Mike

[@JonnyDIY]

Happens to us all! If you havent driven or ran the car you can siphon it out with a hose or siphon pump or even use the twist off spray mechanism of a windex type bottle. Or if your reservoir is easily detached can remove and rinse it out. Now if you ran the engine or drove it you could simply just drain radiator and refill with coolant. Rainx is mostly water so should be ok 👍

[@KindCreature1]

@@JonnyDIY I had to drive it home. Thank you for responding so fast! Mike

[@JonnyDIY]

@@KindCreature1 you're welcome, glad to help. Well then Id just simply do a drain and refill. It should be fine. If worried though can drain radiator, and refill radiator with distilled water, let run 30 minute then drain that and refill with coolant 👍

[@flohekticlove7236]

Will using the radiator flush on a car that hasn't used it cause more damage? Can the flush cleaner be excluded?

[@JonnyDIY]

No won't cause damage, just be sure to flush multiple times to get it all out. You can skip the flush cleaner and just use water to flush. Tap water fine, then start flushing with distilled water on last couple 👍

[@flohekticlove7236]

I ended up finding more than I bargained 🤦🏽‍♀️. And video on fans for a Toyota Camry Le 2001. Ways to find out why 2nd won't kick on. I think it's a sensor, but would like to learn to check fully. Ty

[@JonnyDIY]

@@flohekticlove7236 yes sometimes a sensor sometimes just the fan. You can check to make sure fan runs by wiring it straight to battery to test 👍

[@flohekticlove7236]

Thank you for taking time to answer my questions. I will try that and see what happens. 😊

[@JonnyDIY]

@@flohekticlove7236 you're welcome, hope you can get the issue fixed 👍

[@gscurney]

thanks jonny stay safe

[@JonnyDIY]

thanks, you too Gary! 👍🏻

[@JonnyDIY]

@Maddog worker I'd stick to the flush made for it. I'm thinking vinegar may cause some corrosion problems down the line if its not completely removed from system

[@jamesking8241]

What if your radiator doesnt have a cap? ...if it only fills from the overflow reservoir? Do you use a differant kind of flush & clean?

[@JonnyDIY]

Never seen a radiator without a cap, may just be somewhere you're not seeing it? What year and make car?

[@jamesking8241]

@@JonnyDIY like saturns for example... dont have radiator caps...its all filled from the reservoirs...actually most Asian made cars dont have radiator caps....like 2001-03 Saturn L200's and 300s dont have them. And no I have replaced some radiators that have none anywhere..its pretty obvious when one is removed completely and you dont see one anywhere.

[@JonnyDIY]

Ohh ok, haven't worked on one like that. Well then I guess you'd have to fill it through the opening that the reservoir connects to. Or I just did a lil research, I guess it's fine to just do as I did, but by filling reservoir. It'll keep sucking it into engine. Keep adding til full 👍

[@jamesking8241]

@@JonnyDIY yeah it tripped me out to first time I seen it. Found out in addition they are self maintained with tranmission fluid as well. Nowhere to put trans. Fluid in it either. Had me scratching my head! Ha!

[@amywaterman-mcintyre]

Same problem unless I'm blind. 95 Lincoln Town car

[@tmhhbm2000]

I don't have a cap just a over flow 2006 chevy equinox can I still do it my self

[@JonnyDIY]

Yes will still be same process of draining and refilling. But refill through overflow 👍

[@imwaytogoodlookingtobeyour1188]

When you do the flush how many times do you have to fill the plastic tank with water after that?.....it should last a good while before you have to put water in the plastic tank or coolant

[@JonnyDIY]

Yes after you flush and clean plastic tank, fill up radiator all the way and reservoir to full line and keep eye on level for few dsys. Shoulf be good after that. Shouldnt lose much fluid over time unless have another issue 👍

[@imwaytogoodlookingtobeyour1188]

@@JonnyDIY I bought my 2017 challenger brand new back in 2017....then I got my check engine light and checked the plastic thing where you pour water and it was kinda empty...so i put water and engine light went away...now it's brownish the liquid so I need a radiator flush right?...that's the reason I have check engine light

[@JonnyDIY]

@@imwaytogoodlookingtobeyour1188 yes I would flush radiator cooling system and check with scan tool to confirm. Auto stores will check for free 👍

[@juanm2188]

So what did you do with the removed dirty coolant that was a legal method of disposal?

[@JonnyDIY]

Take to local hazardous waste facility (every city/area has one). If you call them and ask what time can come by and its usually free certain days and times 👍

[@juanm2188]

@@JonnyDIY thank you. You’re check with local authorities as to how and where to dispose of the used fluids. I also read since I posted that many auto suppliers will take used fluids for recycling.

[@JonnyDIY]

@@juanm2188 You're welcome, glad to help. Yes some auto suppliers will take as well. Around me they only take oils as far as I know

[@rubenmartinez8947]

Will this help with overheating issues?

[@JonnyDIY]

It can help, if your system is clogged up or fluid is in really bad shape. Overheating can be a multitude of things though, make sure fans working, radiator cap, radiator could be bad they get clogged when old and stop working as well, thermostat could be stuck shut, water pump bad. Start with the easy stuff though. A few ideas of places to look if you get stumped though

[@jameshowell7959]

@@JonnyDIY any difference between gas and Diesel engines ?

[@nicktran2749]

How do I drain the coolant reservoir tank if its clogged up? I have a 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac

[@nicktran2749]

I also have Prestone Coolant System Cleaner. Will that unclogged the Reservoir tank eventually when poured into the radiator?

[@JonnyDIY]

I would remove reservoir to clean if clogged up then do a flush or two on radiator if that bad 👍

[@billymadison713]

Can you do the same method on a caddy deville?

[@JonnyDIY]

Yes, same process on almost all vehicles 👍

[@user-fj1pq8me7w]

Drive 3 to 6 hrs or over the course of a week 😅

[@14sita]

😂

[@robertduklus6555]

how does this suppose to make sense? When you drain the rad you only drain some coolant from the system. As you add water to flush the system, more than once you cant really tell how much water is in the system. Adding coolant and water at the end without measuring anything in the process how can you be sure of proper mixture in the cooling sustem?

[@JonnyDIY]

I should have mentioned that you can use a coolant tester. Cheap 3 dollar tool you suck up some fluid from radiator after fluid well mixed to see if its at a 50/50 mixture. You want to buy concencrate when doing it like this to get the final correct mix unless you locate your engine block drains and drain from there

[@terry_willis]

Find what the cooling system capacity is. Then add 1/2 that amount of undiluted coolant (assuming you've drained as much liquid as possible). Then top off the system with water. You'll now have a 50/50 mixture.

[@innovatecoin9990]

@@terry_willis Excellent explanation

[@ARCSTREAMS]

you remind me of mathew mconaughey hey hey lol ,,help me man ,i had a check steady eng light that comes and goes during certain times ,,sometimes it is not there for a long while then comes on again,,its either my gas cap or possibly a faulty thermo,,had the car since 2006 brand new but i had this light for years back,,,i tired idling the eng and i think it went up to 105 deg C before the fan kicked in and a drastic drop in temp back down to like 75deg C or lower happened,,so perhaps the thermo is working ok,,but i think for some reason it my be heating up too fast more than usual so idk if the thermo is playing games in either open or shut or the coolant is no longer good,,i dont think its ever been changed,,im hoping for now i only need to change the coolant because that thermo is a pain burried under wires and hoses deep down ,,but even to chnage the coolant idk how to go about this,i see some doing it mostly through the rad cap while others through the res cap,,i assume these are rads with no caps? idk anymore ,,i was happy doing my first break n rotor chnage by myslef and i will also do an oil n filter change myslef but this cooling thing is melting my brain

[@JonnyDIY]

Im sure has a radiator cap somewhere. Usually right on top of radiator. I would keep an eye on temp levels, if start running hot Id definitely check thermostat never replaced. Also make sure fans coming on right temp. Could be bad radiator temp sensor for fans

[@JonnyDIY]

And haha Mathew McConaughey 🤣👍🏻 Alright Alright Alright 🤙🏼

[@ARCSTREAMS]

@@JonnyDIY perhaps its under the plastic shield on top of it,but its a very thin rad,i was told some do not have any,,ill have too keep looking ,wish there was some online serrvie manual i can look up for that car,,yes the fan did come on and the temp drastically droped but this happened at 105 deg C if i remember right so not sure if this is correct function or not,,what is rad temp sensor for fan? are you talking about the sensor next to the thermo?

[@ARCSTREAMS]

@@JonnyDIY yeah when you jump in the intro ,reminded me of him haa with those glasses and that eyes and beard etc ,,one of his looks off cam anyways lol

[@JonnyDIY]

@@ARCSTREAMS sensor is usually on radiator, tells computer when to kick fans on and off 🤙🏼 so if fans are kicking on late be worth checking it out

[@TheSteveo6324]

Only thing I would have done differently is pulled all the coolant lines and completely drained the block so I know there wasn't any water in it. Then filled it with normal 50/50 mix. You can do it your way in warm climates but in cold climates you definitely cant do it this way and be completely safe.

[@JonnyDIY]

Yes good point. That or add some coolant concentrate to achieve the 50/50 mix 👍

[@TheSteveo6324]

But you wouldn't ever know if it was a true 50/50 mix even adding concentrate. The best and only way to do a coolant flush is to completely drain the system every time because there's still alot of sediment that can sit in the block and all the cooling passages. Just draining the radiator is only half the job of a coolant change or coolant flush. My recommendation is to make a correction video and explain to people the full correct way to do everything.

[@phillipalder9045]

The best option for your coolant is deionized water. Compared to distilled water, this water comes with all mineral ions removed.

[@JonnyDIY]

Ohh wow cool. Where do you get that? Grocery store? 🤔

[@phillipalder9045]

@@JonnyDIYDIY possibly but I've never seen it sold in a grocery store. Jeff Bezos has this water. It is about 7x more expensive than distilled. Alternatively, you can buy a filter with ion exchange resins, which removes or rather pulls the cations and anions from the water. If your owner's water calls for demineralized water (not deionized water) then distilled will suffice because distilled is demineralized water. Nevertheless, water w/o the charges is ultimately better.

[@Trip1443]

Deionized water does have all its minerals removed but what it does is it will pull whatever minerals are in the "pipe" eventually causing cavitation in your coolant passages. Distilled water is best

[@phillipalder9045]

@@Trip1443 I do know that dissolved solvents will further dilute when pure water is added, but I seriously doubt that process will cause a cavitation. But for argument's sake, let’s say it does cause such a physical change. Well, the “cavitations” will stop when in equilibrium. IMHO, a few circulations of the coolant, and it is all over. Curious, do you have a source on the cavitations? I would agree that distilled water is favored because it is 1/7 the price of deionized and the great number of dissolved solvents are insignificant in terms of accelerating oxidation to the system.

[@Trip1443]

@phillipalder9045 I did a massive plumbing project and we had to put in deionized water line for the labs. I asked why we didn't use clean copper pipe and why we couldn't use regular PVC instead of the expensive blue see through lines with special glue. Apparently the PVC would leach chemicals ruining the deionized water, the copper would corrode. Yes it would "equalize" eventually but what's the cost benefit analysis on this more expensive water that doesnt really do much more? Distilled water has worked forever and doesn't require special pipes to run through which says a lot about the potential damage.

[@allexojeda91]

How often do you flush your vw bus' radiator?

[@JonnyDIY]

Never, its Air Cooled 😄👍

[@allexojeda91]

@@JonnyDIY lol i know 🤣

[@JonnyDIY]

@@allexojeda91 had a feeling you were pullin my leg lol 😄

[@andrewsegovia1226]

At the same time you replace the blinker fluid!

[@asfandbabar5635]

Every oil change, its oil cooled 😅

[@Brad11451]

After a few minutes of run it's good to test the water /antifreeze %

[@JonnyDIY]

Good point, I've got one of those little testers 👍

[@greedo50273]

How do you flush the coolant on that VW Bus you have there? I've been trying to do this for a couple of decades now and can't, for the life of me, find the radiator!!!!! 😛

[@JonnyDIY]

🤣 me too, can't find the damn thing either. Maybe its in the front? 🤔😆👍

[@dandcarter]

If it's an old VW, could be that it is air-cooled. No water radiator. Look-up your vehicle for info.

[@rubynred1353]

What do I do if my radiator doesn't have a radiator cap like there's no spot to put water or coolant directly into my radiator only into my over flow

[@JonnyDIY]

You can still do as I did just fill through overflow 👍

[@TheImbeciles]

Good job. Keeping it simps for fools like meeeee!

[@JonnyDIY]

Thank you, happy to help! 👍

[@kimrandall792]

I have a 2005 mercury montego, I don't have a cap, so how do I flush it?

[@JonnyDIY]

Some cars only has the overflow reservoir cap, so drain radiator from bottom and refill through reservoir. Can always check owner's manual to be sure as well 👍

[@kimrandall792]

@@JonnyDIY thanks, appreciate ya

[@JonnyDIY]

@@kimrandall792 you're welcome, glad to help 👍

[@jameshowell7959]

How many gallons you use of distilled water

[@JonnyDIY]

Depends how large of cooling system you vehicle has

[@don5161]

How do you flush a cooling system that does not a radiator cap or a drain plug on the radiator?

[@JonnyDIY]

All should have a drain plug on radiator, but some cars dont have radiator caps and only a pressurized cap on the coolant reservoir

[@JonnyDIY]

If the vehicle really doesn't have a drain just take off the lowest coolant hose or line you can access and itll drain from there 👍

[@yeee3466]

Can I do this process if my heater doesn’t work? Also, I want to change the thermostat. Do I change it on the last flush?

[@JonnyDIY]

Yes you can still. And if you're going to be replacing thermostat I'd recommend taking out old thermostat and run it without a thermostat while you do the flush. Then after flush all done put new thermostat in. Or at least wait to replace thermostat til after flush 👍

[@johnnylumino9096]

Can I do it the same way on my 2006 nissan altima?

[@JonnyDIY]

Yes, same process 👍

[@johnnylumino9096]

Ok cool And can I use the same products you used ? And will it cause any harm ?

[@JonnyDIY]

@@johnnylumino9096 won't cause any harm 👍

[@hkg3a2]

You could also drain the block by removing the block drain plugs, just behind the motor mounts. Be sure to drain both sides.

[@JonnyDIY]

Yes, thank you for mentioning. Some block plugs can be a pain to get to but some are very accessible 👍

[@DIXIEMAFIA251]

I came here to say the same thang!😂

[@terry_willis]

You don't need distilled water. Plain clean tap water is fine. Modern coolants are formulated to be used with tap water.

[@JonnyDIY]

Whatever water you're comfortable putting in is fine. Some areas have a lot better tap water than others though 👍 Distilled is the best though

[@dashawngary824]

Whats the heavy duty flush

[@JonnyDIY]

Stronger chemical solution for real gunked up systems. You shouldnt need it unless real bad 👍

[@dashawngary824]

@JonnyDIY what's the name of it mine was gunked up on the inside off the top when I took it off the radiator

[@JonnyDIY]

@@dashawngary824 I'd just use the prestone if local store has it and run in in system longer 👍

[@christopherhaak9824]

Don't fill your overflow tank with plain water. It will freeze solid in a freezing climate. Use the same dilution as your fill for the tank.

[@JonnyDIY]

Yes, it will circulate and mix but if you're doing this during cold time of year that's a great point 👍

[@diamondmask7704]

How do you handle the air that gets into the system? Just leave the cap off while it's running?

[@JonnyDIY]

Yes, you can park on incline (driveway ramp) or put on ramps and itll help bring bubbles out top of radiator 👍

[@diamondmask7704]

@@JonnyDIY wow. Quick reply! I appreciate it!

[@JonnyDIY]

@@diamondmask7704 no problem, glad I could help 👍

[@petermorton2869]

Hi Sir I noticed when you put radiator flush into the radiator you should have started up the engine & open up the heater radiator core & Iet it run for a while for about 15minutes to an 1/2 hour & let motor cool down a little & then take radiator hoses off, & take out the thermostat out & take both hoses of to the heater radiator core & flush that out as well & that's what I'm going to be doing next week on I'm going to be using baking soda & run that through my motor & & radiator & including the heater radiator core & I'm going to put a fair amount baking soda into the radiator & going to flush the out the radiator heater radiator core & take out the thermostat Housing off & including the thermostat first & before I start running the baking soda through radiator engine & heater radiator core & hopefully the baking soda should really clean all the components out & see how much stuff I get out of everything & if I'm not Happy with it I will do it again & add even more baking soda & put all the hoses back on including the thermostat Housing & without the thermostat & run up the engine again for about 15 minutes or so & then let it cool down a bit & drain it all out & flush everything all out before put everything back together & I will be doing all of this on my 1996Toyota Hilux Surf 3.4V6 5vzfe engine & will adding either fresh rain water from my 250 liter tank or add distilled water to the antifreeze & should be all good & won't need to be redone for awhile & the mileage on the Toyota hilux Surf is 251,000Ks now & the 3.4 V6 so Sir I Wish You Well In What You Do & Have A Nice Day Sir Kind Regards Peter

[@JonnyDIY]

Thanks for sharing. Good luck with the flush 👍

[@georgesand4629]

Can you show us how to do a coolant change on that VW bus?

[@JonnyDIY]

Sure thing! It doesn't even take a minute! 😉👍

[@raymond2620]

How many gallons of orangre antifreeze require for the flush?

[@JonnyDIY]

2-3 gallons is usually good depending on vehicle👍

[@raymond2620]

@@JonnyDIY its a 1998 silverado 305 5.0 3 gallons of antifreeze mix with 3 gallons of water?

[@JonnyDIY]

@@raymond2620 ok yeah if you get premixed 3 gallons should be good, if you get concentrate, you only need 2 since you dilute each gallon with another gallon of distilled water. So concentrate will makr 4 gallons 👍

[@raymond2620]

@@JonnyDIY thank you

[@JonnyDIY]

@@raymond2620 you're welcome 👍

[@angel4usu2]

How can I flush a radiator on a 1970 triumph spitfire that I saved from a barn and it’s not running yet and I want to flush radiator before I evenbtry starting car

[@JonnyDIY]

Remove thermostat and run hose through engine and remove upper and lower hose from radiator and run hose into top hose to flush

[@timyoung4039]

You mention distilled water but the jug says it’s spring water. Which one is best because spring water is loaded with minerals

[@JonnyDIY]

Distilled is best 👍

[@triplecranks]

Spring water is actually very very bad to use. It’s loaded with minerals. The main problem with minerals is electrical current flows through it looking for a ground. That is one of the most common reasons the heater core goes bad. Usually the heater core loses ground by way of a broken or corroded ground strap and then the electricity has to flow through the minerals in the water. Always use only distilled water not springwater.

[@nomad5031]

I turned the thing as far as it would turn; but it is barely dripping. I actually poured a whole gallon of coolant in there a couple of nights ago...

[@JonnyDIY]

May need to unscrew it all the way if its not draining properly

[@nomad5031]

@@JonnyDIY but is it supposed to turn further?? I would hate to break it. Not sure if it is supposed to stop there or go all the way around. 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

[@JonnyDIY]

@@nomad5031 They come all the way out, yes. The little drain tube may be clogged thats why was only dripped, but if take all way out should drain

[@rodneyluque7535]

FYI AutoZone coolant is Prestone 👍

[@JonnyDIY]

Awesome, thanks for sharing 👍

[@MeredithWilliams-ti2kv]

I don't have a radiator cap. Mine is on the reservoir.

[@emergencylowmaneuvering7350]

ALERT;.. Never drop cold water on a warm or hot engine. You will destroy it by Shock Cooling. ALERT..

[@JonnyDIY]

Thanks for sharing 👍

[@chachiluv4085]

That part you will think people will have common sense

[@specialed464]

Good advice is the landing gear down

[@emergencylowmaneuvering7350]

@@chachiluv4085 Nope. Most dont have common sense. Im a retired instructor. Social Media put too much bullshit in your head. Kills intelligence and though.

[@cindymunro1]

I put water in the radiator when the thermesta opened up and I could hear crackling in the engine. The engine was warm because I ran for 5 or 10 minutes and had to top it up as the thermo opened. I hope I didn't destroy my engine after the crackling

[@CharliebDj]

What if you drain the engine block?

[@JonnyDIY]

Same procedure. After flushing with water cycles til clean you can drain block 1 last time and refill with 50/50 coolant 👍

[@user-ye6ie3wf9k]

You should remove the thermostat when you were doing the job and reinstall the thermostat's when you're done

[@JonnyDIY]

Yes you can do that as well for better flow if you'd like 👍

[@doublem6027]

What if my heater is not working?

[@ARCSTREAMS]

runing the eng for only 10 min is not long enough to bring it to temp and open the thermo to have your whole system circulated and flushed ,you should wait till your fan kicks in or monitor your temp guage to tell if your thermo opened up then wait 10 mins,,thats what they meant

[@JonnyDIY]

Yes once temp up to normal operating temp, 10 minutes

[@ARCSTREAMS]

@@JonnyDIY yup that is when the 10 min countdown should start once the whole system is circulating

[@twincams350]

Don’t you need to remove the thermostat when you drain the coolant with the system cold?

[@JonnyDIY]

No not necessary but you can remove thermostat and fluid will circulate better 👍

[@twincams350]

OK, maybe I’m wrong, but I had always believed that when the thermostat is closed, it completely blocks all coolant from moving between the engine block and the radiator. Is this not the case?

[@JonnyDIY]

@@twincams350 no you're right, but it doesn't need to be open when just draining radiator 1st. When you put the cleaner in and run it then itll open and circulate. To get the fluid out of the block you need to crack open a block plug usually towards rear of engine. Different location on each vehicle

[@twincams350]

@@JonnyDIY Thanks for explaining that. I am still learning about this stuff. So, what I understand now is that every time you run with distilled water until the thermostat opens, the coolant that is in the block will be diluted with the distilled water, but never gets completely removed. Does this also mean that if you run cleaner through the system, that cleaner also will never be completely removed, only diluted instead with each drain cycle?

[@JonnyDIY]

@@twincams350 you're welcome. Yes it mixes with the coolant or water in block, thats why you need to fill system and ley run and circulate a few times. You can just run tap water a few times then switch to distilled the last couple and should be good. That or find the block plugs and let them drain 👍

[@MeredithWilliams-ti2kv]

Mike's Dodge does not have a radiator cap on the radiator. It is on the reservoir.

[@JonnyDIY]

Yes same process for vehicles like that, but do through top of reservoir 👍