Cooling System [3.0L]: Maintenance Mazda Tribute II

Draining

Note. The addition of Cooling System Stop Leak Pellets or equivalent meeting Mazda specification, darkens Mazda Premium Gold Engine Coolant from yellow to golden tan.

Note. Less than 80% of coolant capacity can be recovered with the engine in the vehicle. Dirty, rusty or contaminated coolant requires replacement.

Scheme 21

1. Release the pressure in the cooling system by slowly turning the pressure relief cap one half turn counterclockwise. When the pressure is released, remove the pressure relief cap.
2. Remove the retainers and the RH splash shield.
3. Place a suitable container below the radiator draincock. Open the draincock and allow to drain. Close the draincock after draining.
4. Install the RH splash shield and the retainers.
5. Install the splash shields.

COOLING SYSTEM FLUSHING - 3.0L

1. To remove rust, sludge and other foreign material from the cooling system, use cooling system flush that is safe for use with aluminum radiators. See «SPECIFICATIONS»(ref-348670-S01265508462009112700000) . This cleaning restores cooling system efficiency and helps prevent overheating. A pulsating or reversed direction of flushing water will loosen sediment more quickly than a steady flow in the normal coolant flow direction. In severe cases where cleaning solvents will not clean the cooling system efficiently, it will be necessary to use the pressure flushing method using cooling system flusher. Dispose of old coolant and flushing water contaminated with antifreeze and cleaning chemicals in accordance with local, state or federal laws.
2. Remove the radiator. See «RADIATOR REMOVAL/INSTALLATION - 3.0L»(ref-348665-S35609656692009112700000) .
3. Backflush the radiator with the radiator in an upside-down position with a high-pressure hose in the lower hose location and backflush. CAUTION: Radiator internal pressure must not exceed 138 kPa (20 psi). Damage to the radiator can result.
4. Remove the thermostat. See «THERMOSTAT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION - 3.0L»(ref-348665-S01430396992009112700000) .
5. Backflush the engine. Position the high-pressure water hose into the engine through the engine return and backflush the engine.

Scheme 22

1. Release the pressure in the cooling system by slowly turning the pressure relief cap one half turn counterclockwise. When the pressure is released, remove the pressure relief cap. WARNING: To avoid personal injury, do not unscrew the coolant pressure relief cap while the engine is operating or hot. The cooling system is under pressure; steam and hot liquid can come out forcefully when the cap is loosened slightly. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.
2. Using hose clamp pliers, clamp the degas bottle-to-radiator hose.
3. Using a suitable suction device, siphon the coolant from the degas bottle.
4. Disconnect the radiator-to-degas bottle hose from the degas bottle.
5. Remove the 2 degas bottle nuts. To install, tighten to 6 N.m {0.6 kgf.m, 53 in.lbf}.
6. Lift the degas bottle up and disconnect the degas bottle-to-radiator hose. Remove the degas bottle.
7. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
8. Fill the degas bottle. See «COOLING SYSTEM DRAINING, FILLING AND BLEEDING - 3.0L»(ref-348665-S32749980752009112700000) .

Scheme 23

Scheme 24

1. With vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. See «LIFTING»(ref-348626-S31954056142009112700000) .
2. Drain the cooling system. See «COOLING SYSTEM DRAINING, FILLING AND BLEEDING - 3.0L»(ref-348665-S32749980752009112700000) .
3. Remove the cooling fan motor and shroud. See «COOLING FAN MOTOR AND SHROUD REMOVAL/INSTALLATION - 3.0L»(ref-348665-S32065420662009112700000) .
4. Disconnect the radiator-to-degas bottle and upper radiator hose from the radiator.
5. Disconnect the lower degas bottle-to-radiator hose from the radiator.
6. Disconnect the lower radiator hose from the radiator.
7. Remove the 2 A/C condenser-to-radiator bolts and position aside the A/C condenser from the radiator. To install, tighten to 10 N.m {1.0 kgf.m, 89 in.lbf}.
8. Remove the radiator.
9. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
10. Fill and bleed the cooling system. See «COOLING SYSTEM DRAINING, FILLING AND BLEEDING - 3.0L»(ref-348665-S32749980752009112700000) .

Scheme 25

1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. See «LIFTING»(ref-348626-S31954056142009112700000) .
2. Drain the cooling system. See «COOLING SYSTEM DRAINING, FILLING AND BLEEDING - 3.0L»(ref-348665-S32749980752009112700000) .
3. Disconnect the lower radiator hose from the thermostat housing. NOTE: To install, lubricate the thermostat housing O-ring seal with clean engine coolant.
4. Remove the 2 bolts, thermostat housing cover, O-ring seal and thermostat. To install, tighten to 10 N.m {1.0 kgf.m, 89 in.lbf}.
5. To install, reverse the removal procedure. Clean and inspect the O-ring seal. Install a new seal if necessary.
6. Fill and bleed the cooling system. See «COOLING SYSTEM DRAINING, FILLING AND BLEEDING - 3.0L»(ref-348665-S32749980752009112700000) .

Scheme 26