Hi all, I downloaded the RAVE manual and have been reading threads about the flushing and bleeding. Here is my broad plan. I wanted to be sure this was the best way. I have to replace the radiator and my biggest concern is not being able to get air out or have an overheat situation. I am also replacing the t-stat, upper hoses and bleed housing, and the two small expansion tank and throttle body hoses. Lower hoses were replaced a few years back.
OK:
I am tossing this out off the top of my head--
1) Locate bottom radiator drain plug and drain fluid. If not, remove lower hose and drain fluid.
2) Put hose/plug back on, remove top hose and fill rad with distilled water. Run to OP temp, shut off and drain. I repeat this drain/flush a second time. I plan on having 4-6 gallons of distilled water.
3) Drain as much fluid as I can, remove radiator, replace t-stat, radiator and hoses I have purchased.
4) With new radiator and parts installed, remove top hose and pour a 50/50 DEXCOOL mixture (It currently has DEXCOOL) until full. Replace top hose. Lift UP expansion tank and add more mixture. With expansion tank up, open bleed screw and start engine to bleed. When coolant runs through bleed screw cap it off.
5) Let engine cool with tank elevated. Check fluid level and measure intake of fluid (should be about 3gals of 50/50 mix).
6) Start again, check engine temp, if hot, bleed again and/or add mixture.

NOTE: The distilled water flush I read was from a shop on this forum in an older post.

Does this sound about right?

 

The first thing people are gonna tell you is to avoid Dexcool at all costs. Is there a reason you plan on using it?

 

avoid Dexcool at all costs

 

minus dexcool, sounds okay. I installed a fill plug in the top hose on the shroud. can not really tell that the 2 point fill does much to minimize the bleeding efforts.

 

Don't use Dexcool.

Also, raising the front of the truck a few inches during the fill process helps bleed all of the air out the first go around.

 

DEXCOOL because I called the Rover dealer a couple years ago when I needed to add fluid and they said DEXCOOL or any aluminum safe coolant. Just try and match colors. I had red.

 

So, if I go with something other than DEXCOOL, and I had red before, what is a good alternative?

About the elevation, thanks. My drive has the perfect slope so that the front can be in the garage and the rear sloping down. If not, I have ramps.

Thanks!

 

peak, prestone, something normal and easily found. I use prestone because I had a coupon. if you search coolant in the search engine above, you will find an abundance of opinions.

 

Just use anything that you see a ton of. Much better to not mix different brands if you can't get your type when you need it.

 

OK, thanks! I appreciate all of the help.