1997 Pontiac Sunfire draining the rad

CAUDURO

MEMBER
1997 PONTIAC SUNFIRE
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
130,000 MILES

Hi there, i've noticed that there is a very small leak of coolent and I think i've traced it back tothe upper hose (coming off the rad). Its the end of the hose that is not attached to the rad that looks worn.

My question is do I have to drain the rad a little (or at all) before taking off and replacing that hose?

If so approx how much should I drain before removing the hose and when complete is it as simple as pouring in the coollent I took out?

thanks

Steve

5 Replies

JDL

MECHANIC
16,098 POSTS

Hello, I'd put a container under the radiator and then drain some of the coolant. Hopefully there is a drain valve. You can drain it till the coolant level appears to be lower than the upper hose. Safely dispose of the old coolant, refill according to manufacturers specs. Try to make sure there is no air trapped in the system.

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Wednesday, April 1st, 2009 AT 10:23 AM

CAUDURO

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11 POSTS

Thanks. Leads to another question, by the sounds of ityou cannot re-use the coolent you take out?

Also, you mentioned "try to make sure there is no air trapped". What does mean and is there a trick to it?

Thanks for your reply!

Steve

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Wednesday, April 1st, 2009 AT 10:35 AM

JDL

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I don't usually reuse old coolant. The above info came from a database, use where applicable.

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Wednesday, April 1st, 2009 AT 11:17 AM

CAUDURO

MEMBER
11 POSTS

Great thanks. And that bottom picture you added shows the side that the hose is slowly leaking (between the clamp and the water outlet housing.

So I pull the plug, remove the bleen vlave and drain it for a little bit, then pull the hose off (hopefully I drain it enough). Once the hose is back on do I put the bleed valve back on and fill coolent back in.

How do I know if I have air in it?

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Wednesday, April 1st, 2009 AT 11:36 AM

JDL

MECHANIC
16,098 POSTS

I do the repair, refill with coolant, start the vehicle, loosen the air bleed, when coolant starts coming out, retighten. Keep an eye on the coolant, you may have to add a little.