Tools and Materials You'll Need:
* New coolant: Use the correct type and amount specified in your owner's manual (usually a 50/50 mix of coolant and distilled water).
* Drain pan: Large enough to hold several gallons of coolant.
* Wrench: Appropriate size for the radiator drain petcock (usually located at the bottom of the radiator). You may also need wrenches for other drain plugs, depending on your flushing method.
* Hose: A garden hose with a spray nozzle is helpful.
* Funnel: For refilling the radiator.
* Protective gloves: Coolant can irritate skin.
* Safety glasses: To protect your eyes.
* Optional: Radiator flush chemical (follow instructions carefully), pressure tester.
Flushing Methods:
There are two primary methods: a simple flush and a more thorough flush using a chemical.
Method 1: Simple Flush (Best for relatively clean systems):
1. Safety First: Let the engine cool completely before starting.
2. Drain the coolant: Place the drain pan under the radiator drain petcock. Open the petcock and let the coolant drain completely. You may also need to loosen or remove the lower radiator hose for more complete drainage.
3. Flush with water: Connect the garden hose to the upper radiator hose inlet (where the hose connects to the radiator). Turn on the water slowly, allowing it to flow through the radiator and out the drain petcock. Continue flushing until the water runs relatively clear.
4. Drain the water: Close the radiator drain petcock and remove the garden hose. Let any remaining water drain out.
5. Refill and bleed: Add the pre-mixed coolant to the radiator using the funnel, until it's near the top. Replace the radiator cap. Run the engine until it reaches operating temperature. Monitor the coolant level and add more as needed. You may need to bleed air from the system (see bleeding instructions below).
Method 2: Chemical Flush (Recommended for heavily contaminated systems):
1. Follow instructions carefully: This method requires using a radiator flush chemical purchased from an auto parts store. Strictly follow the instructions on the chemical's packaging. These instructions will usually involve adding the chemical to the cooling system, running the engine, then flushing the system as in Method 1.
2. Repeat steps 3-5 from Method 1: After using the chemical, follow the instructions for flushing the system with clean water, then refill and bleed the system.
Bleeding the Cooling System:
Air trapped in the system can cause overheating. To bleed the air, you may need to:
* Locate bleed valves: Some Impalas have bleed valves on the engine block or heater core. Consult your owner's manual.
* Open bleed valves: Open the bleed valves slowly while the engine is running. Watch for coolant to flow steadily from the valves. Close the valves once a continuous stream of coolant is seen.
Important Considerations:
* Check for leaks: Before and after the flush, inspect the radiator and hoses for leaks.
* Proper coolant mixture: Always use the correct coolant/water mixture recommended in your owner's manual.
* Professional help: If you're uncomfortable performing this task yourself, take your Impala to a qualified mechanic.
This is a general guide. Always refer to your 2001 Chevrolet Impala's owner's manual for specific instructions and recommendations. Failure to follow proper procedures can damage your vehicle's cooling system.
