Buick Regal: Cooling System Draining and Filling (Static)

Special Tools

GE-26568 Coolant and Battery Tester

WARNING: With a pressurized cooling system, the coolant temperature in the radiator can be considerably higher than the boiling point of the solution at atmospheric pressure. Removal of the surge tank cap, while the cooling system is hot and under high pressure, causes the solution to boil instantaneously with explosive force. This will cause the solution to spew out over the engine, the fenders, and the person removing the cap. Serious bodily injury may result.

NOTE: Use only a GM released anti-freeze mixture and ensure a concentration of 50 percent water to 50 percent antifreeze. Antifreeze does not just prevent the cooling system from freezing up, it also protects all the components that are in contact with coolant from rust/limescale deposits. As a result, antifreeze should always be added, even in tropical countries.

If radiator, cylinder head or cylinder head seal have been replaced the old coolant must not be re-used.

Cooling System Draining

1. Radiator Surge Tank Cap - Remove.

2. Raise and support the vehicle.

3.

{ If equipped }Underbody Skid Shield (2) - Remove.

4.

Front Compartment Air Deflector (4) - Remove.

5. Place a drain pan under the drain cock.

6.

Attach a rubber hose to the radiator drain port to guide the coolant into the drain pan. (1, 2).

7. Radiator Drain Cock (3) - Open.

8. Drain the cooling system.

9. Radiator Drain Cock (3) - Close.

10. Remove the drain hose (1) at the radiator drain port.

11.

Front Compartment Air Deflector (4) - Install.

12.

{ If equipped }Underbody Skid Shield (2) - Remove.

13. Lower the vehicle.

Cooling System Filling

CAUTION: The procedure below must be followed. Improper coolant level could result in a low or high coolant level condition, causing engine damage.

NOTE: Use a 50/50 mixture of DEX-COOL antifreeze and clean, drinkable water.

1. Slowly fill the cooling system with a 50/50 coolant mixture until the coolant level is visible and stable. Approximate Fluid Capacities.

2. Install the pressure cap loosely (threaded on about one turn).

3. Start the engine and raise the engine speed to 2500 RPM and hold it there for 40 seconds, then shut engine off.

4. Remove the pressure cap and fill the coolant system until the level is visible and stable.

5. Install the pressure cap loosely (threaded on about one turn).

6. Start the engine and raise the engine speed to 2500 RPM and hold it there for 30 seconds, then shut engine off.

7. Remove the pressure cap and fill the coolant system until the level is visible and stable.

8. Install the pressure cap loosely (threaded on about one turn).

9. Start the engine and raise the engine speed to 2500 RPM and hold it there for 20 seconds, then shut engine off.

10. Fill the radiator surge tank to the indicator line, then add 400 milliliters (13.5 ounces) more.

11. Install the pressure cap, fully threaded on.

12. Start the engine and run it above 2500 RPM until it is hot enough to open the thermostat, this will allow the trapped air to be purged from the engine.

13. Complete a series of three, 4-second-duration idles with 4-second-duration 3000 RPM cycles.

14. Turn the engine off and allow it to cool down to room temperature.

15.

Fill the radiator surge tank to the indicator line (1).

16. Inspect the concentration of the engine coolant, using the GE-26568 tester.

17. Rinse away any excess coolant from the engine and the engine compartment.

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