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FLUSHING AND CLEANING THE SYSTEM

The cooling system should be drained, thoroughly flushed and refilled at least every 30,000 miles (48,300 km). This operation should be done with the engine cold.

  1. Pull out the end of the drain tube to the underside of the body from between the undercover and skirt.
  2. Place a container of adequate capacity beneath the drain plug and open the plug.
  3. Loosen the radiator cap to drain the coolant.
  4. Remove and drain the coolant from the reserve tank.
  5. On all models except Justy, remove the drain plugs on the side of the engine near the oil filter and drain the coolant from the engine block.
  6. Install and securely tighten the engine drain plugs. Tighten the radiator drain plug.
  7. Slowly pour water into the radiator until the system is full. Repeat the draining and filling process several times, until the liquid is nearly colorless.

    NOTE: Some vehicles are equipped with an air vent plug on the radiator. This plug must be removed while filling the system to allow trapped air to escape the system.

  8. After the last draining, slowly pour a 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and water into the radiator until it is filled. Install the radiator cap.
  9. Fill the coolant recovery tank to the FULL mark.
  10. Start the engine and allow it to reach operating temperature.
  11. Stop the engine and allow it to cool.
  12. Open the radiator cap and fill the radiator with antifreeze. Wait until the engine cools further, then fill the recovery tank to the FULL mark.

    Fig. 1: Be sure the rubber gasket on the radiator cap has a tight seal

  13. Start the engine and allow it to reach operating temperature. Check the level in the recovery tank and add antifreeze as necessary.

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