What's the year and mileage of your SL? Old dexcool will look nasty. Check for antifreeze in your oil. Look at the filler cap and the dip stick. If you see what appears like a chocolate milkshake you have issues.
You can and should flush the cooling system. I start by draining the system cold. : Use caution as antifreeze is poisonous. : If you spill be sure to clean up any puddles.
Next remove the thermostat and reinstall the housing. Be sure to use a suitable tool (will be supplied with new thermostat).
Mix 2 ounces of automatic dishwashing detergent (any low sudsing detergent will work) per gallon of water.
Fill the cooling system and run it for 5 minutes. Drain it out afterwards. : Caution don't open hot! :
If the coolant was real dirty repeat the last 2 steps.
Next fill with clean water, run for 5 minutes, and then drain.
Next replace the thermostat with the new one.
Lastly add a 50/50 mixture of the correct antifreeze (check owners manual) and distilled water.
You might consider removing the coolant tank and cleaning it in the sink. It does not get the circulation of the rest of the system. This will keep the dreaded low coolant light from flashing at you needlessly. Couple of mounting bolts, hoses, and one electrical connection is all it takes. I do this as a last step of a flush before filling with new antifreeze mixture.
Good lluck and let us know. :)
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Friday, May 5th, 2006 AT 3:21 PM
