Isuzu Trooper Owners Club UK™

[bulletproof]

I am planning to flush my radiator of it's old coolant and replace it with some fresh Havoline Extended Life on my recently aquired Bighorn.

Is it a straightforward unclipping of both hoses and a flush with some tap water or is there anything else I should know about?

Any advice welcomed.

Thanks in advance.
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'94 Big Horn Irmscher LWB, 3.1TD auto.

[Google]

[:::Matski:::]

When I flush I tend to remove the t-stat then replace the cover and disconnect the top hose from the rad side, then take the rad cap off lift the hose up to make it higher than the top of rad and insert the hose pipe into the top hose. This way you back flush the rad to clean out and *beep*.
_________________
Front Aussie Locker - Rear LSD - Petrol Diffs
2" Lift - 1" Body lift - +2" shocks - 32" KL71s
2.5" free flow stainless system - TMIC - 20psi Boost
Suckin' Diesel Baby!

[bulletproof]

Matski,

Thanks for the reply.  Some more questions if you dont mind:

1) Do you flush the coolant reservior as well?
2) Do you use any special flushing fluid or just water?
3) Where does all the c**p drain off to if you only disconnect the top hose?

And, sorry, what do you mean by "the cover"?
_________________
'94 Big Horn Irmscher LWB, 3.1TD auto.

[:::Matski:::]

1) I wouldn't hurt to give it a swill as there can be sediment at the bottom.

2) I just use water, but if you are concerned about a possible build up you can put stuff in an run it with it in for a day or so. You can get various powders from       halfords or the like.

3) It comes out of the rad cap.
_________________
Front Aussie Locker - Rear LSD - Petrol Diffs
2" Lift - 1" Body lift - +2" shocks - 32" KL71s
2.5" free flow stainless system - TMIC - 20psi Boost
Suckin' Diesel Baby!

[:::Matski:::]

Or rather where the rad cap was
_________________
Front Aussie Locker - Rear LSD - Petrol Diffs
2" Lift - 1" Body lift - +2" shocks - 32" KL71s
2.5" free flow stainless system - TMIC - 20psi Boost
Suckin' Diesel Baby!

[bulletproof]

Ok.  Thought so.  Is that ok to have coolant (albeit watered down) running all over the radiator and nearby?

Nat
_________________
'94 Big Horn Irmscher LWB, 3.1TD auto.

[Philp]

Not really, ideally drain it into a container and dispose of it properly at your local tip etc.  Coolant is lethal to animals like cats and they like it as its sweet tasting.  If you do spill some make sure you wash it up properly with lots of water.  I'd consider sticking an additive in for a few days of driving to attempt to loosen up any solid crub but be aware that this may find any holes in your rad that may have sealed themselves.  I also would take the T'stat out and flush the engine as well as the rad by shoving the hosepipe into the top hose into the engine  and then the bottom hose until it runs clear out the other end.  Leave to drain well and then reconnect everything and refill.
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Phil

96 or is it a 98 Isuzu Bighorn Lotus

[bulletproof]

Thanks Phil.  Do you used the recommended Havoline Extended Life coolant and is this a must or just best practice?

Nat
_________________
'94 Big Horn Irmscher LWB, 3.1TD auto.

[the flower man]

is there an order that you refill to stop airlocks mate. i have to do mine soon

[:::Matski:::]

I have only had an air lock once. This was cured by runing the engine and cracking the t-stat housing.

[Chris B]

[Gromit Dog]

The best way to do this is get a garage to do it with a coolant exchange machine. I do this at my garage for arounf $70 Canadian.  There is no spillage to speak of and therefore no old coolant in the local water, nothing to kill local bunnies puppies and cats when it rund through the gutter.

Failing that, remove the top hose when the engine is warmed up (you can removet the t-stat to make it eisier, then replace with new) run a hose in one end and when it spills out clean on the other remove the lower hose and drain everything.  Then fill with fresh 50/50 mix.  And yes, do the expansion tank. in fact remove it if possible and clean the heck out of it with castrol superclean or such.

Havoline long life is okay, but I just use regular coolant and change every 2 years. if you read the fine print, havoline needs servicing (aditives) every year anyway

[Philp]

Just use biological washing powder in hot water and soak the overflow bottle overnight, it'll be sparkling clean in the morning, works every time!
_________________
Phil

96 or is it a 98 Isuzu Bighorn Lotus

[Ads69]

Thanks to all for bringing me back to the real world!!!!! you are all right!!! Guess i got in a stress because i want to go and see my folks in York for christmas, not alot of spare cash..........and it's a long drive from Cornwall!!!! I'm off to get a haynes manual today and see if I can sort it myself!!! is it quite an easy job? anything you guys would advise i need to do from past exp? any help would be fab!!!! Thanx!!!!

[Peej]