radiator flush?

Question

i drive a 1994 pontiac grand am gt(3.1 lr. SF1 v6) and it recently overheated, i am trying to flush the coolant system and there is no radiator cap, only a coolant tank cap, and i cannot find any drain plugs ANYWHERE, help?

Answer 1

you are corrct, there is no "radiator cap" on the radiator. You fill the radiator thru the coolant tank, also, I don't remember a drain on those either. A radiator flush is really a waste of time and money with a few exceptions. If the car has always had coolant water mix in it, has never sat parked and un started for months you don't really need one. If you feel it is needed on your car, pull the lower radiator hose loose (with the engine slightly warm. NOT HOT!!!) open the cap on the coolant tank, and let it drain into a catch pan.(remember coolant is toxic to animals so don't leave it where they can get into it) Then, replace the lower hose and follow the directions on the flush container, just use it thru the coolant tank. When finished, you have to wait for the engine to cool again, then pull the lower hose off and re open the cap to let it drain again. Then, replace the lower hose, refill with fresh water only, run the car for a few minutes, let it cool again, pull the hose and remove the cap again to drain. Then replace the hose, and fill with a 50/50 mix of good coolant and water, run and check the level a couple of times, install cap and your done. Having said all that, if it overheated, I 'd check the thermostat as they usually sieze up when over heated, make sure your water pump is working, check the timing to make sure it isn't advanced and use good coolant mixed properly.
Good luck

Answer 2

their should be a cap on the side of it if their isn't that is a hard one to flush out,your best bet is to get that one good and clean,is take it off and have it flushed out,this way they can get it good and clean,and there should be a drain plug right on the very bottom of it,it may be hidden from site,but all radiators have drain plugs ,good luck on it.

Answer 3

You should also give the outside of the radiator a blast with compressed air, the fins are probably a bit blocked with dust. Make sure you blow in the opposite direction to the way the air normally flows.

Answer 4

I believe there is a small radiator cap on the side of the radiator, near the top, at the pulley end of the engine. The drain valve will be under the radiator and you'll have to get under the car to see it. Hope this is of use.

Answer 5

many dont have cap or drain.....take one side of lower hose...or maybe get pro to do it