Replacing the radiator fluid, more commonly referred to as coolant or antifreeze, is a critical aspect of routine maintenance for your Chevy Lumina and should be done at least once every two years to ensure that your cooling system remains working properly and efficiently. Old coolant is acidic and as such will attack the metals used in the cooling system and will promote corrosion, which may cause a leak and subsequently engine overheating and serious engine damage.

Essential Tools

Replacing the coolant is quite an easy task and will only require a few basic tools that you should have for working on your Chevy Lumina. You will need a jack, jack stands, drain pan, and a flat head screwdriver.

Replacing Engine Coolant

Being by jacking the Lumina and placing it on jack stands. This is necessary to gain access to the radiator drain plug to drain the coolant. Be sure to wait till the vehicle cools down to ambient temperature before working with the cooling system or else you could suffer from severe burns from the hot engine coolant. Next, place a drain pan below the radiator and open the radiator cap. Opening the radiator cap will allow the fluid to flow out of the radiator quicker. Then loosen the drain plug at the bottom of the radiator with a screwdriver and allow the fluid to drain into the drain pan. When the fluid has leaked out completely, tighten the drain plug and refill the radiator with a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water.

Bleed Cooling System

Bleeding the cooling system refers to removing air out of the system. This is necessary because air pockets cause overheating, which can lead to extensive engine damage. To bleed the cooling system, remove the radiator cap once the engine has cooled down. Start the engine and turn the heat on max. Turning the heat on max will allow the radiator fluid to flow through the heater core and eliminate all air pockets. Then rev the motor to 2000 RPMs and hold for about 10 to 15 seconds and repeat a few times. This will bring all the air to the top of the radiator and will "bleed" off to the atmosphere.

Source:

"Automotive Repair and Rebuilding;" Jeffrey J. Rehkopf; 2006

More Information:

Northern Tool + Equipment: Oil Drains