Hi,

As a connection of the post [FXIED] Engine Coolant overflow...? (http://www.aussiemagna.com/forums/showthread.php?t=105453), how does one perform a "proper" and "complete" flush of the engine coolant to replace and refill it? As shameful as I have to say, I'm a noob when it comes to these, but I am very much willing to learn. :)

Thanks all.

the way I have always done it is remove the thermostat, bolt the thermostat housing back up, have both top and bottom radiator hoses disconnected and run a hose through the top radiator hose till the water runs clean (making sure the dial on the inside of the car is turned to the hot position). then run a hose through the radiator itself till water runs clean there, put in a NEW thermostat and hook everything back up.

There is a purging bolt near the thermostat on the second gens (maybe also on the 3rd gens?).
With a bit of line pressure on the bottom radiator hose it will overflow throught that purging opening.

I would be reluctant to remove hoses or disturb the thermostat. The way I did it was drain the radiator by its drain cock and remove the 2 cylinder block drain plugs to drain the engine. Then I used a hose to flush water through the radiator opening and the 2 cylinder block drains untill the water flowed out clear. Then I removed the hose from the reservior to drain and flush it. Put it all back together, used loctite 577 on the threads of the cylinder block drain plugs. Put in 4.5 litres of coolant concerntrate and top off with water.

If you have hard tap water you should get demineralised/deionised water from the supermarkert. They sell it for clothes irons. As you wouldn't be able to flush it, you'd have to drain the system, fill it back up and run it for while then drain and fill again. Repeating untill it comes out clear.