Here's a general procedure. However, consult your owner's manual for the exact location of drain valves and specific instructions for your Blazer's cooling system. The location of drain valves and the capacity of the system can vary slightly depending on the engine and options.
Tools you'll likely need:
* Drain pan: A large container to catch the coolant. At least 2-3 gallons capacity.
* Wrench (possibly): Some Blazers have a radiator drain petcock that requires a wrench; others have a simple push-pull valve. Check your manual.
* Gloves: Coolant is corrosive.
* Safety glasses: Protect your eyes from splashes.
* Funnel (optional): To make refilling easier.
Procedure:
1. Locate the radiator drain valve: This is usually located at the bottom of the radiator, on either the driver's or passenger's side. Your owner's manual will show you exactly where it is.
2. Place the drain pan: Position the drain pan under the radiator drain valve.
3. Open the drain valve: If it's a petcock, use the appropriate wrench to carefully loosen and open it. If it's a push-pull valve, gently push or pull it to open it.
4. Let the coolant drain: This will take some time, perhaps 15-30 minutes or longer, depending on the size of your radiator.
5. Close the drain valve: Once the coolant has stopped draining, carefully close the drain valve.
6. Check the engine block drain: Some vehicles also have a drain plug on the engine block. Consult your owner's manual; if present, repeat steps 2-5 for this plug as well. This removes coolant that remains in the engine block.
7. Dispose of the coolant properly: Coolant is toxic and should not be dumped down drains or on the ground. Check with your local waste disposal facility for proper disposal methods. Many auto parts stores will also accept used coolant for recycling.
8. Refill the system: After draining, you'll need to refill the radiator and the overflow reservoir with the correct type and amount of coolant for your Blazer. Again, consult your owner's manual for the specifics. Usually, it's a 50/50 mix of coolant and distilled water.
Important Considerations:
* Type of coolant: Use the correct type of coolant specified in your owner's manual (usually Dex-Cool for GM vehicles of this era, but verify). Mixing different types of coolant can damage your engine.
* Pressure: The cooling system is pressurized. Releasing that pressure slowly can prevent unexpected gushes of hot coolant. Allowing it to fully cool down before starting is crucial to safety.
* Bleeding the system: After refilling, you may need to bleed the air out of the system to ensure proper cooling. This typically involves running the engine with the radiator cap off (carefully, watch for hot coolant) until air bubbles cease to appear. Consult your owner's manual for the proper bleeding procedure.
Remember, this is general guidance. Always refer to your 2000 Chevy Blazer owner's manual for the most accurate and safe instructions. If you're not comfortable performing this task yourself, take your Blazer to a qualified mechanic.
