Before You Begin:
* Safety First: Let the engine cool completely before starting. Coolant is hot and under pressure when the engine is running, and can cause serious burns. Wear safety glasses and gloves.
* Gather Supplies: You'll need a cooling system flush kit (various types exist), a drain pan large enough to hold several gallons of coolant, new coolant (the correct type for your Tahoe – check your owner's manual), distilled water (often required by the kit), and potentially a funnel. Some kits include everything you need.
The Flush Process (General Steps):
The process varies slightly depending on the type of flush kit you've purchased. Kits typically fall into these categories:
* Chemical Flush Kit: These kits usually involve adding a chemical to your cooling system, running the engine for a specified time, then draining and refilling.
* Power Flush Kit: These often involve attaching the kit to your cooling system and using a pump to circulate a cleaning solution through the system, removing rust and scale. They are generally more effective at cleaning the system than chemical flushes.
General Steps (applicable to many kits):
1. Locate Drain Plug: Find the drain plug on the radiator (usually at the bottom) and the engine block drain plug (location varies by engine). Have your drain pan ready.
2. Drain Coolant: Carefully loosen and remove the radiator drain plug, letting the coolant drain into the pan. Then, locate and remove the engine block drain plug (if applicable; some kits may recommend skipping this step). Let it drain completely.
3. Follow Kit Instructions: This is the crucial step. Each kit is different. Carefully read and follow the manufacturer's instructions for adding the flushing solution, running the engine (if required), and any other steps. This might involve running the engine for a specific duration or adding distilled water before flushing.
4. Drain Flush Solution: After completing the flushing process as per the kit's instructions, drain the flushing solution from the radiator and engine block drain plugs into the drain pan.
5. Flush with Water (Usually): Some kits recommend flushing the system with clean water several times to thoroughly remove any remaining chemicals or debris. Drain the water each time.
6. Refill with Coolant: Add the correct type and amount of coolant (consult your owner's manual). Most systems require a 50/50 mix of coolant and distilled water.
7. Burp the System: After refilling, run the engine until it reaches operating temperature. This helps remove air pockets that can hinder cooling efficiency. Check for leaks around the drain plugs and hoses. You might need to add more coolant as air is purged from the system. Some systems have a specific bleeder valve to help remove air. Consult your owner's manual for its location.
8. Check Coolant Level: Once the engine has cooled, check the coolant level in the overflow reservoir and add more if needed.
Important Considerations:
* Type of Coolant: Use the correct type of coolant specified in your owner's manual (usually Dex-Cool). Mixing different types can lead to problems.
* Disposal: Dispose of used coolant properly. It's toxic and harmful to the environment. Check with your local waste disposal authority for instructions.
* Professional Help: If you're uncomfortable performing this task yourself, it's best to take your Tahoe to a qualified mechanic.
This is a general guide. The specific procedures will depend on the type of flush kit you use and your vehicle's specific characteristics. Always prioritize safety and refer to your owner's manual and the flush kit instructions for detailed, accurate guidance.
