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Engine Cooling System: Maintenance Chevrolet Silverado 3500

Cooling System (Mechanical) ~652 words

Draining and Filling Cooling System (with HP2)

Tools Required

  1. J 26568 Coolant and Battery Tester
  2. J 38185 Hose Clamp Pliers

Draining Procedure

CAUTIONTo avoid being burned, do not remove the radiator cap or surge tank cap while the engine is hot. The cooling system will release scalding fluid and steam under pressure if radiator cap or surge tank cap is removed while the engine and radiator are still hot.
  1. Follow the steps below in order to remove the surge tank fill cap. Slowly rotate the cap counterclockwise. Stop rotating and allow the hissing to stop. After all the hissing stops, continue turning counterclockwise in order to remove the cap.
  2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(ref-184175-S17163319502005082200000) in General Information.
  3. Place a drain pan under the lower radiator hose.
  4. Using the J 38185 , reposition the lower radiator hose clamp.
  5. Remove the lower radiator hose from the radiator.
  6. Drain the cooling system.
  7. If a complete engine block drain is required, remove the left and right engine block coolant drain plugs.
  8. Remove the engine block coolant heater, if equipped. Refer to «Coolant Heater Replacement (4.8L, 5.3L, and 6.0L)»(ref-184167-S24257397172005082200000) .
  9. Inspect the coolant.
  10. Follow the appropriate procedure based on the condition of the coolant. Normal in appearance-Follow the filling procedure. Discolored-Follow the flush procedure. Refer to «Flushing»(ref-184167-S05492610992005082200000) .

Draining and Filling Cooling System (without HP2)

Tools Required

  1. J 26568 Coolant and Battery Tester
  2. J 38185 Hose Clamp Pliers
CAUTIONTo avoid being burned, do not remove the radiator cap or surge tank cap while the engine is hot. The cooling system will release scalding fluid and steam under pressure if radiator cap or surge tank cap is removed while the engine and radiator are still hot.
  1. Follow the steps below in order to remove the surge tank fill cap. Slowly rotate the cap counterclockwise. Stop rotating and allow the hissing to stop. After all the hissing stops, continue turning counterclockwise in order to remove the cap.
  2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(ref-184175-S17163319502005082200000) in General Information.
  3. Place a drain pan under the lower radiator hose.
  4. Using the J 38185, reposition the lower radiator hose clamp.
  5. Remove the lower radiator hose from the radiator.
  6. Drain the cooling system.
  7. If a complete engine block drain is required, remove the left and right engine block coolant drain plugs.
  8. Remove the engine block coolant heater, if equipped. Refer to «Coolant Heater Replacement (4.3L)»(ref-184167-S26669063602005082200000) or «Coolant Heater Replacement (4.8L, 5.3L, and 6.0L)»(ref-184167-S24257397172005082200000) or «Coolant Heater Replacement (6.6L Engine)»(ref-184167-S17259178852005082200000) or «Coolant Heater Replacement (8.1L)»(ref-184167-S28275845062005082200000) .
  9. Inspect the coolant.
  10. Follow the appropriate procedure based on the condition of the coolant. Normal in appearance-Follow the filling procedure. Discolored-Follow the flush procedure. Refer to «Flushing»(ref-184167-S05492610992005082200000) .

Draining and Filling Cooling System - Starter/Generator Control Module

Tools Required

  1. J 24460-01 Cooling System Pressure Tester. See «Special Tools and Equipment»(ref-184167-S07936639632005082200000) .
  2. J 26568 Coolant and Battery Tester
  3. J 46143 Cooling System Adapter. See «Special Tools and Equipment»(ref-184167-S07936639632005082200000) .
CAUTIONTo avoid being burned, do not remove the starter/generator control module (SGCM) cap while the SGCM is hot. The cooling system will release scalding fluid and steam under pressure if the SGCM cap is removed while the SGCM is still hot.
  1. Follow the steps below in order to remove the stater/generator control module (SGCM) tank fill cap. Slowly rotate the cap counterclockwise. Stop rotating and allow the hissing to stop. After all the hissing stops, continue turning counterclockwise in order to remove the cap.
  2. Remove the grille from the vehicle. Refer to «Grille Replacement (GMC)»(ref-184169-S17598306392005082200000) or «Grille Replacement (Chevrolet)»(ref-184169-S35473267962005082200000) in Exterior Trim.
  3. Place a drain pan under the SGCM radiator.
  4. Remove the SGCM coolant pump outlet hose from the radiator. Refer to «Coolant Pipe Quick Connect Fitting - Starter/Generator Control Module»(ref-184167-S15713582732005082200000) .
  5. Drain the cooling system.
  6. Inspect the coolant.
  7. Follow the appropriate procedure based on the condition of the coolant. Normal in appearance-Follow the filling procedure. Discolored-Follow the flush procedure. Refer to «Flushing - Starter/Generator Control Module»(ref-184167-S18979853522005082200000) .

Flushing

IMPORTANTDo not use a chemical flush. Store used coolant in the proper manner, such as in a used engine coolant holding tank. Do not pour used coolant down a drain. Ethylene glycol antifreeze is a very toxic chemical. Do not dispose of coolant into the sewer system or ground water. This is illegal and ecologically unsound. Various methods and equipment can be used to flush the cooling system. If special equipment is used (such as a back flusher) follow the manufacturer's instructions. However, always remove the thermostat before back flushing the system. Block the drive wheels. Place the transmission in park (P) or neutral (N). Engage the park brake. Run the engine until the thermostat opens. Stop the engine. Follow the drain and fill procedure using only clean drinkable water. Repeat the procedure if necessary, until the fluid is nearly colorless. Refer to Draining and Filling Cooling System (with HP2) or Draining and Filling Cooling System (without HP2) . Fill the coolant reservoir to the FULL HOT mark. Fill the cooling system. Refer to Draining and Filling Cooling System (with HP2) or Draining and Filling Cooling System (without HP2) .

Flushing - Starter/Generator Control Module

IMPORTANTDo not use a chemical flush. Store used coolant in the proper manner, such as in a used engine coolant holding tank. Do not pour used coolant down a drain. Ethylene glycol antifreeze is a very toxic chemical. Do not dispose of coolant into the sewer system or ground water. This is illegal and ecologically unsound. Various methods and equipment can be used to flush the cooling system. If special equipment is used (such as a back flusher) follow the manufacturer's instructions.
  1. Block the drive wheels.
  2. Place the transmission in park (P) or neutral (N).
  3. Engage the park brake.
  4. To run the SGCM coolant pump, perform the following steps: Install the scan tool. Turn the ignition ON with the engine OFF. With the scan tool set to Powertrain, Alternative Fuels, Special Functions, SGCM Output Controls, command the SGCM pump speed ON for 1 minute. Turn the ignition OFF.
  5. Follow the drain and fill procedure using only clean drinkable water. Repeat the procedure if necessary, until the fluid is nearly colorless. Refer to «Draining and Filling Cooling System - Starter/Generator Control Module»(ref-184167-S11938601932005082200000) .
  6. Fill the cooling system. Refer to «Draining and Filling Cooling System - Starter/Generator Control Module»(ref-184167-S11938601932005082200000) .

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