Learn how to replace your radiator if your cooling system is too far gone (wont get clean, has a leak, overheating, etc): ruclips.net/video/MeruAZebIeU/видео.html
3 years after, your coolant fluid is pretty much as clean as new ! Impressive ! mine just turn like a 10 years one or after 200.000 Kms ... huh flush it again :/
I would like your opinion on how to clean my old amc v8. I found a wagoneer missing the radiator so I removed the water pump and the engine looks filled with congealed radiator fluid and rust. What do you recommend on cleaning that out?
Chris I’ve been a mechanic for 30 years. I just wanna say you do a great job explaining in your videos and you are very thorough in your work. It gives me hope that their are some good young mechanics out there. Keep them coming even though I might know how to do what your explaining I always feel your never to old to learn something.
As a 23 year old self taught shade tree mechanic, I can say Chris has helped me a TON on some of the harder jobs ive faced. Definitely my #1 Auto RUclipsr.
i have VW 1400 mpi from 2006 and has only 70k miles on it and i change the coolant every 20-25k miles and it still looks pink/orange as from the bottle. even the coolant tank looks white as when it was new, so why doesn't every car manufacturer use that same coolant? Because it works perfect on my old car.
I’m 16 and Chris has inspired me to become a mechanic. I bought myself a 2002 wrx and just got done doing a full brake job and all new fluids and I learned it all from Chris! Of course I had some minor handy experience but besides that Chris has taught me everything
I just wished to say how much I appreciate your videos. When I was in my twenties, I worked on my cars all the time, repairing, maintenance, fixing up an old car etc. I was also into tinkering around the house and workshop. Then life got in the way... divorce... depression... and before you know it, did not do anything for myself. Then one day I realized how much the brain's "creative force"... tinkering, "maker" stuff, repairing, modifying, art etc... all helps to HEAL depression. Where once I was actually afraid to look under the hood in case there was ANYTHING wrong, now (almost 60) I'm determined to not just own my car but "OWN" my car... if you understand my distinction. I find your videos, and the videos of makers and tinkerers out there, INSPIRING and helpful! Cheers! :-)
@@chrisfix you are a RUclips legend. My boys and myself have utilized several of your videos. Your content has helped millions of people. Thank you for your dedication to great useful content.
The thing I most appreciate about your videos is that you always show how to dispose of chemicals, in this case coolant, but also oils, refrigerant, etc correctly. RUclips is filled with people taking shortcuts; it's so important that we have examples of doing things the right way.
Here where I live, auto parts stores will take the used chemicals. Advance Auto Parts is one of them. Thank you Chris, for sharing your skills and explaining so WELL. Great Work!!
GM was smart enough to put auto-flush on my coolant system. Every 10-20K miles on my car, a major coolant hose or connector fails draining the coolant automatically to ensure no contaminates can build up. Currently, my car is on the slow-drip flush program. It also attempted to burn the contaminated coolant as well. Wait until you see how I keep the brake fluid so clear...
I know what you mean. My Toyota is poor mans car. Hasn’t had that luxury system. I’m going to plush cooling system it’s first time when it reaches 300000miles. I know I can wait until 500000 miles because it’s original coolant look absolutely clear pink but I just want replace it. With all original rubber belts.
Thank God for RUclips and for people like you who like to educate the rest of us who wanna do it ourselves and save money and make sure it's done right.
I saw this video when it was released five years ago. Skip to a couple days ago, the plastic quick-disconnect coming off the heater snapped in half, and all my coolant leaked out causing my car to overheat. I managed to replace the part and get everything all connected up, but totally forgot about there being two different types of coolant, and I filled the system up with green coolant instead of the DexCool I was supposed to use, and now I need to flush it. For a moment I thought I'd need to take it to a shop, but then I remembered this video, and having re-watched it, I'm confident I can do it myself. Thanks Chris! Your videos have saved me a couple times when I really needed help.
Took my vw golf to jiffy lube for a “coolant flush” they did a radiator flush and added the universal coolant which mixed with my G13 euro coolant. I thought they would flush the whole system first but I guess not. Technicality eh.. Anyways, so I started doing some research and came across this video. I bought the right coolant for my car along with distilled water and a coolant cleaning conditioner. I super flushed my coolant 5 times until only clean violet/purple coolant was coming out. It takes a lot of time to do this but it’s very satisfying. This might sound cliche but If you want something done the right way you got to do it yourself. Thanks to Chris and the alike to teach us to do it ourselves.
It's 3am, I have to be up in 2 hours, I don't have a vehicle, here I am. Edit: it is November 2022 and I've been performing all my maintenance on my 2016 toyota Rav4 for 3 years now.
ChrisFix I watch videos like this from multiple RUclipsrs it's why I've done the work I've done already including one very big job on my rear axle, pinion bearing blew up so I had to replace the axle, did not want to mess with the gears in the existing axle
As a van owner, would be interesting to see you bring a van back to life, especially those utility ones with a solid ladder base for future upgrading and add-on appliences: toyota hiace, ford transit, nissan caravan, VW T5, etc. Probably lots of tradies need your instructions to care for their workhorses. Thumbs up to you as always.
I have been working and customizing my own cars my whole life and I'm now 50 years old showing my kids how to do it. I hate paying someone to do what I can do on my own plus I enjoy it. I love Chris's videos and he is very thourgh and has actually showed me alot of pointers that I haven't ever seen or thought of. I love how much detail you go into and I'm sure it takes you alot of time to video so much detail. Keep it coming Chris Fix you rock and doing a great job. I hope you enjoy making these videos and I'm jealous!!!!
Chris it's been 5 years since I watched this video and told myself I'm going to try this, to this day I still haven't done it as I'm too chicken 😅 today I've watched it again for the I don't know how many times and I am going to say enough is enough I am home in lockdown and finally going to give this a try on my 2004 honda civic type r ep3, if I succeed then I'm going to try and change my brakes and bleed and refresh the brake fluid for which I watched your video of again yesterday......in short I want to thank you for your years of free service to the people of the world by sharing such clear and concise videos on how to be proactive and save money and also gain a skill and satisfaction of doing something ourselves and knowing that it's been done right and no corners cut. You are much appreciated and a valuable part to this world. It's great to see hard work pay off and I hope to continue this journey with you and watch your channel grow further and branch out more. Much love and respect from Birmingham, England. Thank you.
Awesome! As long as you're methodical and you know exactly what you're doing (which I'm sure you are), it'll be a breeze! Thanks for the all the support from England!
@@epicuredeter157 I've been working on my house and garden so far during lockdown just got one more room to decorate then I'm done and can spend some time on the cars I will definitely let you know once I've done it 👍🏽
Translated this to Slovenian language. It took me awhile, but I am so proud that I can finally show my dad what we'll be doing next weekend, when they get accepted!
Awesome! Thanks for the support! I just accepted them and great work! This not only helps you but anyone who speaks Slovenian and even other languages since google will cross-translate it! Feel free to do any videos you want and I will accept them! Thanks again!
ChrisFix great videos. quick question the 2nd time you turned in car because new coolant wasn't going Down, did.you also put the heaters on to warm / max again?
Chris, one thing to watch for with the thermostat. In some cars you put the thermostat in first and then put the gasket on. Sometimes there is a machined recess on the manifold for the thermostat to sit in and then apply the gasket. On that vehicle the recess for the thermostat was in the bolt on part of the housing, so as you did, the gasket goes on first.
I’m working on my first radiator flush. Thank you for the awesome video tutorials. They’re well made and the explanation of each step is very thoughtful.
Take your time Joseph and you will save money on labor costs and maybe this will be your calling but you maybe able to do a video on your engine repair as well....✌️
Gotta say I appreciate how scientific you are with your information. I ALSO highly appreciate you being environmentally responsible. Some people ignore telling others that anti freeze will kill animals and is harmful. Much respect!
I'm not sure if things are different in your countries but in Australia, Coolants have an added bittering agent that makes the coolant taste foul and.. bitter, so that mistakes like drinking that sweet green water won't happen.
Best radiator flush tutorial on YT! I recently purchased a '78 chevy c10. Coolant was beyond dirty, like your original flush, looks like coffee. I've flushed at least seven 5 gallon buckets out, still very dirty. Going to continue until its clear.
Just a few tips to add in.. Any time your vehicle has repeated overheating issues, always replace the thermostat. Even if the thermostat isn't causing the initial problem, overheating can often ruin the thermostat, causing it to get stuck closed. Plus it's a cheap part to replace, usually under $10, and usually easy to get to. It wouldn't hurt to remove the gasket from the thermostat before you do the flush, that way if any pieces of the thermostat happen to fall in, they'll come out in the flush. The overfill tank system works, all thanks to the radiator cap.. All radiator caps have a spring in them, which keep them completely closed up to a certain PSI. Whatever this PSI is, is usually indicated on the cap, and your owner's manual will usually tell you what PSI cap to replace it with if it goes bad. When the engine warms up, the antifreeze inside will expand, building pressure inside the radiator. When the pressure reaches the PSI indicated on the radiator cap, the valve in the cap will open, allowing some antifreeze to escape into the overfill tank. Most radiator caps are "Self Burping". So there's really no need to remove the cap to release air from the cooling system. When you can't put any more fluid in, but you know there's just air taking up space in the system, just fill the overfill tank with the remaining antifreeze, then cycle the engine by allowing it to heat and cool a few times. You'll notice the level of fluid in the overflow tank get lower. This method could save you from a big mess, or even serious burns from scalding hot antifreeze. The radiator cap allows fluid to flow out when the pressure builds up, but it also allows fluid to flow back in when it's not under pressure. When the engine cools, and the pressure inside the radiator falls below the pressure outside the engine, it creates a vacuum and causes antifreeze to be sucked in from the overfill tank. The radiator cap really is an amazing and important part of our vehicles that we often take for granted. So any time you have problems with your cooling system, the first thing you should do is replace the radiator cap. It's the easiest, and probably one of the cheapest fixes. If the radiator cap doesn't open to vent fluid into the overflow tank, the cooling system will continue building pressure until it eventually finds a way to release the pressure, like blowing off a hose, gasket, or ruining your water pump.
ChrisFix one thing i would like to add to the tip @twistdshade left, when you turn the vehicle on with the funnel full of antifreeze and while waiting for that thermostat to come open, do not let the level of coolant in that funnel drop below the funnel? otherwise you are chasing your tail on the air. not sure if that makes sense or not?
Thor Terry I'd replace it is it cost effective? No, but you don't want pieces if the radiator coming off and going through the system. just depends on how rusty it is
This was one of your first videos I watched years ago when I got my '99 Tacoma that had chocolate milk for coolant. Worked like a charm and, while that truck is long gone, I remember just how easy it was with the steps laid out here. I'll be doing a complete flush on the coolant, along with all of my other fluids in my 2013 Tacoma this spring and I'll be using these same videos to do it. Thank you for what you do man! I'm in LI but I travel to NJ often. If you see the cleanest Taco you've ever set your eyes on screaming your name randomly, you know who it is!
Dude, you've helped me more than you could know. You've also given my wife A LOT of mechanical confidence. You're the best informative automotive youtuber by far. Hope you're doing well!!!
Just a tip: when cleaning and removing the gasket, you should put a shop rag or towel in the hole to keep the debris from falling inside your clean and flushed cooling system.
This is by far the best auto cooling system flush instruction video that I have found anywhere on the Internet. Chris covered all of the bases and answered all of the questions that I had. Thanks for posting!
The way Chris does his work and maintains his vehicles, I bet every one of them will last longer than what the vehicle designers' thought was even possible!
About 3 years after this I ended up having to replace the radiator (ruclips.net/video/MeruAZebIeU/видео.html), but when I drained it for the first time after doing this it looked pretty healthy and still had some life left in it! Coolant lasts 3-5 years so it would be the same at the 5 year mark haha
@@aarone.9323 You likely have a small leak in a one of the coolant hoses, or if your vehicle has an EGR cooler, it could be leaking through there. Alternatively, you could be loosing coolant through a leak in the head gasket, which is a more urgent and expensive fix.
You need to pick a better trade school then. As a journeyman mechanic I find ChrisFix's videos are geared towards basic maintenance and a very general understanding of things. As a journeyman with two apprentices, I find Chris is better than myself at relaying information that should have been learned in trade school and that I expect them to already know.
@@brandonmaqi3697 sounds like you need to pay more attention at school instead of (apprentice language)ing around at school. Even Eric admits the ASE tests are, for lack of a better term, bogus.
Chris, I don't even know how to thank you for making these videos. You are by far my favorite RUclips mechanic. I've learned so much over the years, and saved thousands thanks to you. My first vehicle was a 2001 Ranger, luckily its basically the same thing as your Mazda. I've watched every video you've posted on RUclips. Even the ones that didn't apply to me. Just saw someone say you still respond to comments. Hopefully that means you actually read them. Because I want you know that you're appreciated. It's been almost a decade since I first used this video. Thanks Chris! -Daniel
Man! This is so helpful! I just bought a Z3 with 162K miles. I’m certain this needs to be done. I wouldn’t have thought to do it without your videos. I’m trying to think of things I can do at home to protect the life of my car. Thanks so much for these videos!!!
I've been getting greasy for 40+ years and have to say, great video and great explanation. The only thing I would add is to put some anti-seize on the thermostat bolts. They looked pretty rusty and could seize up before their next removal. breaking the bolt off in the block, head, or intake (depending on the model of vehicle) is a nightmare with aluminum, blocks etc.. Anti-seize is a great preventative for that.
Never heard of this guy and this is the first video I've seen...within 2 seconds I was like, "DAMN, THAT CAR LABEL IS F'NG CLEAN! I don't know if he put in there afterwards, but that is great attention to detail, which says, this guy means business and is serious about what he does. I'm a new fan, bro!
I'm about to do a complete cooling system overhaul on my 99 Durango. I'm changing out all the hoses as well as the water pump. Radiator is already new. I'm super nervous for some reason, but watching your videos before doing something always makes me feel better. Keep up the good work!
I watched this when it was still fresh. I just watched it again because I'm flushing my cooling system and changing my thermostat this weekend and needed a refresher. Thanks Chris!
Your videos are super detailed and easy to follow. Really good job man! One thing that’s worth mentioning is that most engines will have a coolant drain plug on the engine block. This will help speed up the process by completely draining the engine of all the nasty water before beginning your clean water flush. 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
Chris... I just want to compliment you on your excellent videos and explanations... great mastery of the camera, intervals and talk throughs. I can see that you do a lot of post-production editing to ensure understanding. You are among the best and I don't understand the thumbs down... must be people clicking on the wrong button.
Used to watch you videos for fun when I was around 15. Now 6 years later I have to change my radiator and wanted to do a full system flick while I was at it. I already know how to do it but I still watched you video for the hell of it. Love the content man!
@@chrisfixthis madlad is still out here liking and responding to comments on an 8 year video. What a legend you are sir, even with all your (totally deserved) success you've never forgotten to stay humble. Thanks for all you do.
It's no wonder why you have so many views on your videos. These are great in depth how to videos. Leaving little to question aside from perhaps the exact vehicle make and model. You do great work!
About to start a coolant flush in my "new" 1989 f250, hope I can get some good results. My coolant ain't quite as bad as that, so I'm pretty hopefull! I've been watching your videos since I was 10 even though I didn't have a vehicle, but alot of the stuff I know now is thanks to you, and I definitely have saved a lot of money because of these videos!
Gosh it feels good to look at that guage layout. It reminds me of my 2000 Ford Ranger. My first brand-new vehicle at age 19. That truck will always be a legend. Let her go at 180k to a new owner with that 2.5 4cyl and 5 speed manual still feeling like new.
Joe Bs I had a 2000 ford ranger in 2000 I was 21 my first ride it was blue in color I had it for like 2 weeks dealer took it back said the bank couldn't finance me the first time I ever cried in life but every thing is different now I can get any vehicle I want but yes it was a great truck 😢
I'm a 36 year old Canadian watching this at 12am because I didn't have RUclips to show me this stuff when I was 16. Confirmed, it is most definitely useful ;D. Cheers my young brother from the land down under!
I'm a 17 year old American watching this at 10:45 pm because I'm replacing my buddy's radiator this week and I want to make sure I'm doing it right. Hope you don't run into this situation but if you do hopefully you'll be prepared, cheers!
Im buying a car in the next few months and i love watching this stuff for some reason. Also im not really into mechanics and whatnot. lol but it is quite satisfying also I just learned that chris actually lives pretty close to me which is pretty cool :)
Great video Chris. Only thing I would like to point out is that draining the radiator and overflow tank does NOT empty the whole system there is still water left in the water jackets in the block and in the heads, also the heater core that stays in the system. That said after your final flush with distilled water you will still have straight water left in the motor, if you use 50/50 premix you are going to water it down further since there is still water left in the motor that you are not able to remove. In areas that get cold in the winter its best to use concentrate and mix it 70/30 that way when it mixes with the water still in the system it deludes down closer to 50/50 rather than less than 50/50.
Superb information, many thanks! Clear, concise, detailed with good visuals. Thank you for no music!!! Subscribed. I'm female, in my 60's, don't know much about cars, but high time I learned to do basic maintenance. Now all I have to do is round up some empty milk containers from my neighbors or empty pickle buckets from local fast food place for recycling fluids. They have lids so makes it easy to carry back to auto store. My dashboard heater produces no heat, but fan works fine. I'm sure the heater core is clogged. Car is from 2008, Toyota Yaris Stick Shift. I need to flush out the heater core and radiator for two vehicles, my little RV as well, which is a 1998 Ford E350 V10. Thank you, Chris!!!! Greetings from California.
I have not seen video like this before how people flush the coolant. I bet 99% when you take your car to a mechanic, they wont do 3-4x times of flushing like Chris did. Good job Chris! Like your video
Excellent work. Can you imagine the dealer or average service guy flushing this many times to achieve this kind of perfection? This is why it often pays to do your own maintenance.
Then I saw this today; There is no way the mechanic is doing a complete flush on newer model cars unless the thermostat is easy to access - the best they'll get is about half the coolant out at one time... unless they have a controller that forces a computer-controlled thermostat open. If you wonder why it costs $500 to flush your coolant, it's due to all the time it takes to remove and replace all the parts that are in the way of your thermostat. But if you're only paying the price of the coolant plus another $50 or $100, then they're either not doing a complete flush, or your car has a thermostat that's very easy to remove.
this aluminum roasting pan idea is one of most useful ideas I've seen yet, I think if more folks see this it might be THE standard way people drain stuff...thanks for such a simple but great idea!
ChrisFix Hi chris,hope you can haelp me with my 89 corolla,watched on how you flushed the cooling system.. however our country seems not to import any radiator flushes.. so wondered about the distilled water you placed in,is it the drinkable one or is it the sort that you put on the car battery??
Suggestions regarding thermostat replacement. 1) Stuff a rag into the engine side of the thermostat housing to prevent gasket material entering the cooling system while you're cleaning the gasket surface. 2) Use a Scotch Brite pad to clean the gasket surfaces. 3) Always use anti-seize compound on the threads of a steel bolt into aluminum housing.
Thank you so much for this, I bought my self a project of a mom van and my plan is to fix everything but the brakes myself. My husband is 100% incapable of doing any car repair himself so people like you on RUclips make me feel like super woman
My husband disses himself! I changed the oil in both of our rigs and my husbands response was that he'd never be able to do that and that I'm so handy. He's happy that I can easily learn stuff like this.
Chris: Excellent video! I did my '99 and '07 Camry's with amazing results. But, after I demonstrated the results like you did, I ended up doing the Daughters Sienna, a neighbors BMW and the in-laws Chevy truck and Impala. All in all, another great video.
ChrisFix fixed it! ChrisFix is CERTAINLY the best I've ever seen when it comes to things like this! I can watch his videos and I have no questions at all. Straight to the point and easy to understand. I am very detail-oriented and can critique something like you wouldn't believe. ChrisFix passes 100%! He's the best! 👍
If plan (A) you don't have a sucker for the hose, try plan (B) blowing into the reservoir with your mouth over the opening. That should get the flow going. Of course if you have a neighbour kid you don't like then invite him over for plan (A).
Thank you for this tutorial, I just purchased a 1988 Cadillac Brougham and the previous owner only filled the coolant system with water and now it is full of rust. This information is very helpful in helping with the restoration process. This car is literally my dream car so thank you very much. Have a good day.
@ChrisFix, I've fixed cars for a long time - you really do a great job with all components of displaying the work effectively! Great footage, editing, commentary and guidance for novices AND those with more experience that need reinforcement or reference.
Chris very well explained definately learn something from you well done .mechanical methods were superb indeed as a Millwright never too old to learn .
i like to watch your videos, and i like the way you do things and explain everything, but you had my respect on saving the old liquid because is bad for animals and environment, that some honest and kind thing right there. keep the good job chris !
Hey Chris, As far as the coolant goes, you can use the Orange coolant (Dexcool) in your car, assuming you flushed out all of the old coolant. After all, thats what majority of GM cars come with from factory. What you should never do though, is mix the two together, as they are chemically incompatible and will gel up and clog your cooling system. For all its trouble, it is better to just flush your system if you have a GM car, or if you're not sure what you have in your system, and stick to the tried and trued Green Coolant. Can be found much more easily, and just easier to handle.
His vehicle is not a GM and I would stick to OEM coolant as it only costs a few bucks more and is made for your car / truck. The only thing is most dealerships only sell 50/50 and why pay more fo half a jug of water!. Have an old empty container to fill halfway with the concentrate coolant and pour distilled water into each one of the coolant bottles ( but easier to use premixed if you need more than 2 jugs ).
Oh man, I went to a mechanic to fix a head gasket. He found it was the coolant outlet for a ford fusion. He didn't replace it, he through some stop leak and added new coolant. NEVER FLUSHED IT. I am now fixing myself, and fck it was the most disgusting-looking coolant ever. (still not a head gasket, I had a blown gasket on coolant outlet which was leaking)
My next project possibly this weekend after I change my serpentine belt. Great work in everything you do, your clear and thorough instructions are truly life changing and very much appreciated.
Great video Chris. The only thing I would change is you should put in 100% anti freeze since your draining only about 40-50% of the coolant in the system. If you have 100% water and you drain about 50% of it you would need 100% or concentrated anti freeze. Putting in 50/50% of anti freeze you would only have 1/4 or 25% anti freeze and 75% water. This is the way I have always done coolant change. I hope you agree. You should also check the freezing level of your coolant with a coolant float gauge if you drive where temperatures go below freezing. Thanks, Steven B.
I was thinking the same thing! I'm very surprised Chris doesn't also drain the engine and heater hoses separately. If you don't you have a bunch of very watered down coolant that is mixing with the premixed stuff. If you don't empty the engine or heater, you either have to try to guesstimate how much concentrate coolant to add or you keep flushing with premix coolant to empty out the engine and heater and come close to a 50/50 solution.
@@ondrejbures3909 There is usually 1 or 2 drain bolts in the engine block (depending on whether it's an inline or V engine). But, where the drain bolts are is different for each vehicle. Heater hoses are easier to locate because there's usually two entering and exiting the firewall.
@@adamray7178 ABSOLUTELY! After determining the total capacity of the cooling system, the final result should be AT LEAST a 50% ratio of Coolant and Water.
Hey Chris so I have been watching your videos for a very long time. Now been a while I have to say this but to start with THANK YOU VERY MUCH MY FRIEND!!!! You are probably one of the people I look forward to watching as I work as a tech and make my living fixing vehicles. I was told by a number that I would not make it but I found your channel and EVERYTHING changed! Been over 5 years now and now I have my ticket in Automotives, and a lot of the stuff I know is because of you. I finally joined your family and you deserve all the very best in life. PLEASE KEEP GOING AND POSTING THESE VIDEOS. You are amazing at what you do believe or not!!! THANK YOU VERY MUCH MY FRIEND
I've watched two if Chris' videos so far and he really makes an excellent video. I like that he doesn't do the silly, goofy stuff. He is precise, to the point, and the video edits really help makes the flow of the video go smooth. Great job.
This was great Chris. I've done this on my other cars but I missed a few good tips like using distilled water, changing the thermostat while your at and the chemical flush. Thanks so much. My 01 V6 5spd Ford Mustang is going to love this! It's only got 70,500 miles original and I plan to treat the car very well and do things proper.
I've been watching your videos for the last two years and just wanted to let you know that in my opinion they are the best I've seen in this category. Love love love the detail you put into these videos. Thanks man!
Dude I’ve heard of your name for years, seen memes of “trusted mechanic” then they go in the back and watch your vid. I just bought a 2003 grand am Gt 30th anniversary edition from a tweaked out dude, a lot of problems and the coolant was nasty and I clicked on the first vid that popped up, EVERYONE will find there way to you brother
Excellent video, great watch. I might be wrong, but we usually just pop a garden hose into the radiator cap and run the engine with the petcock open until it runs clear. Then do a proper drain and refill.
Is there a problem with leaving tap water in the block that wont come out when draining? Rust ect? Usually its not good to leave tap water in the system right? When done flushing and you refill the system its going to leave tap water everywhere but the radiator right?
I'm no mechanical, but as far as I understand, the problem is not rust or debris from the tap water but the 'scale'. Think of the white salt like material that builds up on the bottom of a Kettle. That comes from hardness in your water. Some regions (eg coastal or mountians) the water is very soft, and has under 10ppm of hardness, so the garden hose wouldn't be a big problem. Where I am there's around 300 ppm hardness, so leaving a single cup of tap water in the system would be worse than a complete fill with coastal tap water. You can often find your towns water hardness listed online if you're curious
When you're tightening any screw/bolt into aluminum, ALWAYS use a torque wrench. Many people who don't know their own strength have learned this invaluable lesson the hard way!
This is a very well done video. You took the time to show-and-tell, and your explanations are proper, without being too technical or too dumbed down. Excellent job Chris, excellent job.
Your videos have come a long way in 8 years. Definitely refined your presentation technique, and the blue gloves was a great idea to let everyone know they're watching CF and not another guy. Kudos for your success, I'm sure you've helped loads of people fix up their cars over the years.
Quick tip: instead of finding something to suck or sucking on the coolant reservoir hose yourself, you can actually blow through or somehow add pressure into the reservoir via the top opening of the reservoir to achieve the same draining effect and no sucking necessary 😉
I've done this! On a cold radiator top. Out the thermostat hose. Filled it with clean water and blew some more. then started the car and mixing. Wasn't really out to flush, just change the fluid.
I'm about to buy my car from high school again, tender memories... I have to thank you chris, I really want to take of this car this time, helps that its at 98K instead of 204 this time haha. I'll be watching all of your maintenence videos to get it to it's glory days
Yeah, it's great that you're doing that, but if the people who used your car haven't treated it properly all the years that they rode it, then it's very likely that it already has a few big problems, unless you replace most of the engine components.
@@danielsilva9502 Luckily this one seems to have been looked after well. MAF sensor failed a month back, but hey, old ass cars, right? It's been great so far, and I smile everytime I drive
Thanks Chris your decision to do these videos has been a massive help, you have a gift for this bro. I've gained so much confidence to work on my own car, even my wife watches learns and goes out to her car now. She's actually bleeding her own brakes now. Merry Christmas buddy ☃️🎄☃️
Learn how to replace your radiator if your cooling system is too far gone (wont get clean, has a leak, overheating, etc): ruclips.net/video/MeruAZebIeU/видео.html
3 years after, your coolant fluid is pretty much as clean as new ! Impressive ! mine just turn like a 10 years one or after 200.000 Kms ... huh flush it again :/
You have to be one of the only million+ subs that deserve it. Thanks for the great videos!!
Funny how I don't have a car I'm in primary school and I act like a kid at Christmas when you upload
I would like your opinion on how to clean my old amc v8. I found a wagoneer missing the radiator so I removed the water pump and the engine looks filled with congealed radiator fluid and rust. What do you recommend on cleaning that out?
3 years ago video but still updating it. Youre the man chris
Chris I’ve been a mechanic for 30 years. I just wanna say you do a great job explaining in your videos and you are very thorough in your work. It gives me hope that their are some good young mechanics out there. Keep them coming even though I might know how to do what your explaining I always feel your never to old to learn something.
Beautiful and humble comment!
As a 23 year old self taught shade tree mechanic, I can say Chris has helped me a TON on some of the harder jobs ive faced. Definitely my #1 Auto RUclipsr.
i have VW 1400 mpi from 2006 and has only 70k miles on it and i change the coolant every 20-25k miles and it still looks pink/orange as from the bottle.
even the coolant tank looks white as when it was new, so why doesn't every car manufacturer use that same coolant? Because it works perfect on my old car.
tbh chris teqches good because i flushed my dads cars radiator ty
I’m 16 and Chris has inspired me to become a mechanic. I bought myself a 2002 wrx and just got done doing a full brake job and all new fluids and I learned it all from Chris! Of course I had some minor handy experience but besides that Chris has taught me everything
I just wished to say how much I appreciate your videos.
When I was in my twenties, I worked on my cars all the time, repairing, maintenance, fixing up an old car etc. I was also into tinkering around the house and workshop. Then life got in the way... divorce... depression... and before you know it, did not do anything for myself. Then one day I realized how much the brain's "creative force"... tinkering, "maker" stuff, repairing, modifying, art etc... all helps to HEAL depression. Where once I was actually afraid to look under the hood in case there was ANYTHING wrong, now (almost 60) I'm determined to not just own my car but "OWN" my car... if you understand my distinction.
I find your videos, and the videos of makers and tinkerers out there, INSPIRING and helpful!
Cheers! :-)
You got this man, keep going.
I’m proud of you
Well said sir.
We think just alike brother well said
I started doing this type of stuff in my early 40s, age doesn't matter if you really enjoy what you do
I know EXACTLY what you mean! Same situation here!
this video have been 9 years ago and yet chris still replying people's comments
im alive
Absolutely! 4 hours every single day reading and responding to comments!
@@chrisfix holy fresh hell man
Lol. I appreciate that. 👍🏾💯
@@chrisfix Holy shit, earned my sub just on this comment alone.
@@chrisfix you are a RUclips legend. My boys and myself have utilized several of your videos. Your content has helped millions of people. Thank you for your dedication to great useful content.
The thing I most appreciate about your videos is that you always show how to dispose of chemicals, in this case coolant, but also oils, refrigerant, etc correctly. RUclips is filled with people taking shortcuts; it's so important that we have examples of doing things the right way.
Here where I live, auto parts stores will take the used chemicals. Advance Auto Parts is one of them. Thank you Chris, for sharing your skills and explaining so WELL. Great Work!!
GM was smart enough to put auto-flush on my coolant system. Every 10-20K miles on my car, a major coolant hose or connector fails draining the coolant automatically to ensure no contaminates can build up. Currently, my car is on the slow-drip flush program. It also attempted to burn the contaminated coolant as well.
Wait until you see how I keep the brake fluid so clear...
"GM owners need to see this ONE SIMPLE TRICK to keep their coolant like new!"
SantaFebuff comment is awesome
@@panzerkiller13 "MECHANICS HATE THIS"
I know what you mean. My Toyota is poor mans car. Hasn’t had that luxury system. I’m going to plush cooling system it’s first time when it reaches 300000miles. I know I can wait until 500000 miles because it’s original coolant look absolutely clear pink but I just want replace it. With all original rubber belts.
This comment made me genuinely laugh and then text it to my friend.
Thank God for RUclips and for people like you who like to educate the rest of us who wanna do it ourselves and save money and make sure it's done right.
Thanks a lot!
Exactly, this way you KNOW 100% it’s properly flushed!
I agree Jim, Chris and people on here have saved me thousands of dollars. Chris is excellent with explaining things!
Agreed!
Imagine buying a second hand car from this guy. Would be an absolute minter.
and stupidly expensive maybe?
Well his used car might be quite old and not mint, but you know the parts have been well loved and checked for every flaw.
Yeah, probably the only showroom-quality used car you'll ever see or buy.
@@SpeakerWiggin49 prevventerttave mantnence
I have the same vehicle which helps a lot, Ford Ranger 3 liter
I saw this video when it was released five years ago. Skip to a couple days ago, the plastic quick-disconnect coming off the heater snapped in half, and all my coolant leaked out causing my car to overheat. I managed to replace the part and get everything all connected up, but totally forgot about there being two different types of coolant, and I filled the system up with green coolant instead of the DexCool I was supposed to use, and now I need to flush it. For a moment I thought I'd need to take it to a shop, but then I remembered this video, and having re-watched it, I'm confident I can do it myself. Thanks Chris! Your videos have saved me a couple times when I really needed help.
Took my vw golf to jiffy lube for a “coolant flush” they did a radiator flush and added the universal coolant which mixed with my G13 euro coolant. I thought they would flush the whole system first but I guess not. Technicality eh.. Anyways, so I started doing some research and came across this video. I bought the right coolant for my car along with distilled water and a coolant cleaning conditioner. I super flushed my coolant 5 times until only clean violet/purple coolant was coming out. It takes a lot of time to do this but it’s very satisfying. This might sound cliche but If you want something done the right way you got to do it yourself. Thanks to Chris and the alike to teach us to do it ourselves.
That’s exactly why I make my videos! Glad you got it flushed right!
It's respectable that Chrisfix, a RUclipsr his size, still takes time to read comments and answer questions on old videos.
It's 3am, I have to be up in 2 hours, I don't have a vehicle, here I am.
Edit: it is November 2022 and I've been performing all my maintenance on my 2016 toyota Rav4 for 3 years now.
But when you do get a car, you will be able to fix it in no time and gain back some of that time!
ChrisFix I watch videos like this from multiple RUclipsrs it's why I've done the work I've done already including one very big job on my rear axle, pinion bearing blew up so I had to replace the axle, did not want to mess with the gears in the existing axle
Tony Tan
You have no idea how much I relate to this.
I know! XD
As a van owner, would be interesting to see you bring a van back to life, especially those utility ones with a solid ladder base for future upgrading and add-on appliences: toyota hiace, ford transit, nissan caravan, VW T5, etc. Probably lots of tradies need your instructions to care for their workhorses. Thumbs up to you as always.
I have been working and customizing my own cars my whole life and I'm now 50 years old showing my kids how to do it. I hate paying someone to do what I can do on my own plus I enjoy it. I love Chris's videos and he is very thourgh and has actually showed me alot of pointers that I haven't ever seen or thought of. I love how much detail you go into and I'm sure it takes you alot of time to video so much detail. Keep it coming Chris Fix you rock and doing a great job. I hope you enjoy making these videos and I'm jealous!!!!
Chris it's been 5 years since I watched this video and told myself I'm going to try this, to this day I still haven't done it as I'm too chicken 😅 today I've watched it again for the I don't know how many times and I am going to say enough is enough I am home in lockdown and finally going to give this a try on my 2004 honda civic type r ep3, if I succeed then I'm going to try and change my brakes and bleed and refresh the brake fluid for which I watched your video of again yesterday......in short I want to thank you for your years of free service to the people of the world by sharing such clear and concise videos on how to be proactive and save money and also gain a skill and satisfaction of doing something ourselves and knowing that it's been done right and no corners cut. You are much appreciated and a valuable part to this world. It's great to see hard work pay off and I hope to continue this journey with you and watch your channel grow further and branch out more.
Much love and respect from Birmingham, England. Thank you.
Awesome! As long as you're methodical and you know exactly what you're doing (which I'm sure you are), it'll be a breeze! Thanks for the all the support from England!
@@chrisfix you're the man Chris 👍🏽👍🏽
@@ahmedjabbar7467 hey man how did it go? I want to do the same haha
@@epicuredeter157 I've been working on my house and garden so far during lockdown just got one more room to decorate then I'm done and can spend some time on the cars
I will definitely let you know once I've done it 👍🏽
@@ahmedjabbar7467 okay thank you very much and good luck💪🏼
Translated this to Slovenian language. It took me awhile, but I am so proud that I can finally show my dad what we'll be doing next weekend, when they get accepted!
Awesome! Thanks for the support! I just accepted them and great work! This not only helps you but anyone who speaks Slovenian and even other languages since google will cross-translate it! Feel free to do any videos you want and I will accept them! Thanks again!
ChrisFix great videos. quick question the 2nd time you turned in car because new coolant wasn't going Down, did.you also put the heaters on to warm / max again?
Arts&Trusts that is what I usually do. better to do that then to not. It will ensure a more complete flush/ fill.
Chris, one thing to watch for with the thermostat. In some cars you put the thermostat in first and then put the gasket on. Sometimes there is a machined recess on the manifold for the thermostat to sit in and then apply the gasket. On that vehicle the recess for the thermostat was in the bolt on part of the housing, so as you did, the gasket goes on first.
Thanks for the info!
@@chrisfix It's very common on Chevy 350s, The thermostat sits in a recess in the intake manifold. Gasket goes on than the housing.
This guy is explaining things in very easier way and usage the camera wisely to capture every part he wants to talk about. Great job mate.
Totally agree
now we need a tutorial on how to use a camera so more of us can make proper "how tos"
yup he is
I’m working on my first radiator flush. Thank you for the awesome video tutorials. They’re well made and the explanation of each step is very thoughtful.
Take your time Joseph and you will save money on labor costs and maybe this will be your calling but you maybe able to do a video on your engine repair as well....✌️
Awesome tutorial from start to finish with detailed instructions absolutely phenomenal
Gotta say I appreciate how scientific you are with your information. I ALSO highly appreciate you being environmentally responsible. Some people ignore telling others that anti freeze will kill animals and is harmful. Much respect!
Thanks! I am glad you liked the video!
Yeah some ignorants dony know that is sweet
Yeah some ignorants dony know that is sweet
Yeah some ignorants dony know that is sweet
I'm not sure if things are different in your countries but in Australia, Coolants have an added bittering agent that makes the coolant taste foul and.. bitter, so that mistakes like drinking that sweet green water won't happen.
Best radiator flush tutorial on YT! I recently purchased a '78 chevy c10. Coolant was beyond dirty, like your original flush, looks like coffee. I've flushed at least seven 5 gallon buckets out, still very dirty. Going to continue until its clear.
Glad it helped
Just a few tips to add in..
Any time your vehicle has repeated overheating issues, always replace the thermostat. Even if the thermostat isn't causing the initial problem, overheating can often ruin the thermostat, causing it to get stuck closed. Plus it's a cheap part to replace, usually under $10, and usually easy to get to.
It wouldn't hurt to remove the gasket from the thermostat before you do the flush, that way if any pieces of the thermostat happen to fall in, they'll come out in the flush.
The overfill tank system works, all thanks to the radiator cap..
All radiator caps have a spring in them, which keep them completely closed up to a certain PSI. Whatever this PSI is, is usually indicated on the cap, and your owner's manual will usually tell you what PSI cap to replace it with if it goes bad. When the engine warms up, the antifreeze inside will expand, building pressure inside the radiator. When the pressure reaches the PSI indicated on the radiator cap, the valve in the cap will open, allowing some antifreeze to escape into the overfill tank.
Most radiator caps are "Self Burping". So there's really no need to remove the cap to release air from the cooling system. When you can't put any more fluid in, but you know there's just air taking up space in the system, just fill the overfill tank with the remaining antifreeze, then cycle the engine by allowing it to heat and cool a few times. You'll notice the level of fluid in the overflow tank get lower. This method could save you from a big mess, or even serious burns from scalding hot antifreeze.
The radiator cap allows fluid to flow out when the pressure builds up, but it also allows fluid to flow back in when it's not under pressure. When the engine cools, and the pressure inside the radiator falls below the pressure outside the engine, it creates a vacuum and causes antifreeze to be sucked in from the overfill tank.
The radiator cap really is an amazing and important part of our vehicles that we often take for granted. So any time you have problems with your cooling system, the first thing you should do is replace the radiator cap. It's the easiest, and probably one of the cheapest fixes.
If the radiator cap doesn't open to vent fluid into the overflow tank, the cooling system will continue building pressure until it eventually finds a way to release the pressure, like blowing off a hose, gasket, or ruining your water pump.
twistdshade Thanks a lot for all of the tips! I appreciate the time you took to share them!
ChrisFix one thing i would like to add to the tip @twistdshade left, when you turn the vehicle on with the funnel full of antifreeze and while waiting for that thermostat to come open, do not let the level of coolant in that funnel drop below the funnel? otherwise you are chasing your tail on the air. not sure if that makes sense or not?
Bradley Gambino Thanks for the tip Bradley!
You have such high quality videos. You don't skip a single detail
Thanks!
ChrisFix my radiator is pretty rusty inside, should I super flush it or just change the whole radiator?
Thor Terry I'd replace it is it cost effective? No, but you don't want pieces if the radiator coming off and going through the system. just depends on how rusty it is
This was one of your first videos I watched years ago when I got my '99 Tacoma that had chocolate milk for coolant. Worked like a charm and, while that truck is long gone, I remember just how easy it was with the steps laid out here. I'll be doing a complete flush on the coolant, along with all of my other fluids in my 2013 Tacoma this spring and I'll be using these same videos to do it. Thank you for what you do man! I'm in LI but I travel to NJ often. If you see the cleanest Taco you've ever set your eyes on screaming your name randomly, you know who it is!
Lol
Dude, you've helped me more than you could know. You've also given my wife A LOT of mechanical confidence. You're the best informative automotive youtuber by far. Hope you're doing well!!!
Thanks a lot!
Just a tip: when cleaning and removing the gasket, you should put a shop rag or towel in the hole to keep the debris from falling inside your clean and flushed cooling system.
Thanks for the tip!
The rag will get in the way,just be careful when doing it like chris did.
@@djsi38t I stuff a rag in and move it to one side, get half the gasket, pull the rag out fast and repeat.
This is good advice when removing toilets too. Don't ask me how I know.
@@dedalliance1 I'll ask any way
The look on my boyfriend’s face tomorrow when I tell him I’m going to change the coolant will be priceless.
Haha let me know how that goes!
how did that go??? I did the same and he was at a loose for words
Tell him you’re going to enjoy ratcheting the petcock
Mine is used to it LOL.
Make youtube video of it lol
I really appreciate how you go step by step on the procedure and the explanations you give are easy to understand. super job mate
This is by far the best auto cooling system flush instruction video that I have found anywhere on the Internet. Chris covered all of the bases and answered all of the questions that I had. Thanks for posting!
The way Chris does his work and maintains his vehicles, I bet every one of them will last longer than what the vehicle designers' thought was even possible!
Since it’s been 5 years since you changed your coolant and it’s “5 year protection” you should do a video on what the coolant looks like now!
About 3 years after this I ended up having to replace the radiator (ruclips.net/video/MeruAZebIeU/видео.html), but when I drained it for the first time after doing this it looked pretty healthy and still had some life left in it! Coolant lasts 3-5 years so it would be the same at the 5 year mark haha
@@chrisfix Very nice to see you commenting on older videos, and also answering the questions in the comments !
If you mean coolant lasts for that long, is it a problem that I'm having to fill my resivoir up every month?
@@aarone.9323 Check if it's dripping on the ground, if not it might be a bigger Problem.
@@aarone.9323 You likely have a small leak in a one of the coolant hoses, or if your vehicle has an EGR cooler, it could be leaking through there. Alternatively, you could be loosing coolant through a leak in the head gasket, which is a more urgent and expensive fix.
I've learnt more from Chris' videos than I have at trade school in the past year and a half.
I'm glad you're learning a lot!
You need to pick a better trade school then. As a journeyman mechanic I find ChrisFix's videos are geared towards basic maintenance and a very general understanding of things. As a journeyman with two apprentices, I find Chris is better than myself at relaying information that should have been learned in trade school and that I expect them to already know.
I hope this is a joke. Never expect an apprentice to know something...
@@brandonmaqi3697 sounds like you need to pay more attention at school instead of (apprentice language)ing around at school. Even Eric admits the ASE tests are, for lack of a better term, bogus.
Wordddd
Chris, I don't even know how to thank you for making these videos. You are by far my favorite RUclips mechanic. I've learned so much over the years, and saved thousands thanks to you. My first vehicle was a 2001 Ranger, luckily its basically the same thing as your Mazda. I've watched every video you've posted on RUclips. Even the ones that didn't apply to me. Just saw someone say you still respond to comments. Hopefully that means you actually read them. Because I want you know that you're appreciated. It's been almost a decade since I first used this video.
Thanks Chris!
-Daniel
Man! This is so helpful! I just bought a Z3 with 162K miles. I’m certain this needs to be done. I wouldn’t have thought to do it without your videos. I’m trying to think of things I can do at home to protect the life of my car. Thanks so much for these videos!!!
Hey, did you flush your System? If yes Was it easy?
@@mattshorts375 I, personally did not. I had the coolant system replaced & also the clutch & flywheel. So, all that fluid is new.
I've been getting greasy for 40+ years and have to say, great video and great explanation. The only thing I would add is to put some anti-seize on the thermostat bolts. They looked pretty rusty and could seize up before their next removal. breaking the bolt off in the block, head, or intake (depending on the model of vehicle) is a nightmare with aluminum, blocks etc.. Anti-seize is a great preventative for that.
Thanks for the tip!
Hey, no problem. The anti-seize is great for lug-nuts on any vehicle that goes mudding or drives in winter salt/ice melt as well.
Damn dude I see you everywhere, on the woodworking channels I watch and now this! Lol
Thomas Russell what happens if I only fill through reserve instead if radiator like he did. I still bled out air ... I think
Joseph McDonnell it should be fine some cars don't even have a radiator cap so you have to use the reservoir
Never heard of this guy and this is the first video I've seen...within 2 seconds I was like, "DAMN, THAT CAR LABEL IS F'NG CLEAN! I don't know if he put in there afterwards, but that is great attention to detail, which says, this guy means business and is serious about what he does. I'm a new fan, bro!
Henry Montgomery Chris Fix is the Don! Watching his vids are an investment of my time. If only the same could be said of all YT content! LOL
I watched his transmission video he made changing it look like I can do it.
e
You can. @@T0YCHEST
@@helloRockwood ik
I'm about to do a complete cooling system overhaul on my 99 Durango. I'm changing out all the hoses as well as the water pump. Radiator is already new. I'm super nervous for some reason, but watching your videos before doing something always makes me feel better. Keep up the good work!
I’m just glad some people are still decent humans and want to see other people save money and succeed in life good on ya ✊🏼
I agree, best to be thankful for his patience and video for FREE... which is a big help for many of us.!
13 million views. He’s making some money off this.
@@tylerrahm7980 that don’t take away the fact that he’s helping people learn how to do things and save money*
I watched this when it was still fresh. I just watched it again because I'm flushing my cooling system and changing my thermostat this weekend and needed a refresher. Thanks Chris!
You know what I like about Chris, he gets to the point. None of that talk and more talk. Thanks for keeping it simple Chris.
Your videos are super detailed and easy to follow. Really good job man! One thing that’s worth mentioning is that most engines will have a coolant drain plug on the engine block. This will help speed up the process by completely draining the engine of all the nasty water before beginning your clean water flush. 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
Chris... I just want to compliment you on your excellent videos and explanations... great mastery of the camera, intervals and talk throughs. I can see that you do a lot of post-production editing to ensure understanding. You are among the best and I don't understand the thumbs down... must be people clicking on the wrong button.
Stanley Hache OR turning thir monitor/screen upside down to like again.
Don't forget to fill up the thermostat hole with rag so the gasket pieces don't go down into engine block!!
Actually good additional advise
I'd wad up a paper towel or two and stuff it in, then use needlenose pliers to pull it out or just leave some of it sticking out.
Der the temperature doesn't go up. Thermostat removed equals engine over cooled...
Used to watch you videos for fun when I was around 15. Now 6 years later I have to change my radiator and wanted to do a full system flick while I was at it. I already know how to do it but I still watched you video for the hell of it. Love the content man!
Hi Chris ,it's a pleasure watching your videos ,from cleaning to maintaining. You do an awesome job educating. Thanx a million
Thanks a lot!
@@chrisfixthis madlad is still out here liking and responding to comments on an 8 year video.
What a legend you are sir, even with all your (totally deserved) success you've never forgotten to stay humble. Thanks for all you do.
It's no wonder why you have so many views on your videos. These are great in depth how to videos. Leaving little to question aside from perhaps the exact vehicle make and model. You do great work!
+Thrifty Garage thanks
About to start a coolant flush in my "new" 1989 f250, hope I can get some good results. My coolant ain't quite as bad as that, so I'm pretty hopefull! I've been watching your videos since I was 10 even though I didn't have a vehicle, but alot of the stuff I know now is thanks to you, and I definitely have saved a lot of money because of these videos!
Glad the videos are helpful!
Did it went good?
Gosh it feels good to look at that guage layout. It reminds me of my 2000 Ford Ranger. My first brand-new vehicle at age 19. That truck will always be a legend. Let her go at 180k to a new owner with that 2.5 4cyl and 5 speed manual still feeling like new.
Im watching this video to clean out my 2000 ford ranger. just went over 210K miles. Looks exactly like his truck setup.
Joe Bs I currently drive a 93 ranger I'm 19 and it's a 4 cyl with a 5 speed xD except it's only got 100,124 miles
Joe Bs I had a 2000 ford ranger in 2000 I was 21 my first ride it was blue in color I had it for like 2 weeks dealer took it back said the bank couldn't finance me the first time I ever cried in life but every thing is different now I can get any vehicle I want but yes it was a great truck 😢
maybe because it is a Ford Ranger..
MrFoxyCracker it's a Mazda my dude
It’s been 7 years and Chris is still liking his followers comments! He’s the best!❤
What a legend
I’m a 16 year old Australian watching this at 11pm because it will most likely be useful at some point in life
I'm a 36 year old Canadian watching this at 12am because I didn't have RUclips to show me this stuff when I was 16. Confirmed, it is most definitely useful ;D. Cheers my young brother from the land down under!
Same
I'm a 17 year old American watching this at 10:45 pm because I'm replacing my buddy's radiator this week and I want to make sure I'm doing it right. Hope you don't run into this situation but if you do hopefully you'll be prepared, cheers!
I'm 38 from Malaysia..still in MCO quarantine..😔😔
pray for Malaysia
I am 21 years old watching from America at 1:45am. Im an obese piece of shit. Cheers
i don't even have a car but this is so satisfying to watch xD
Same
I just purchased a band new car that comes with a maintenance package. I'm still watching a lot of his videos.
Im buying a car in the next few months and i love watching this stuff for some reason. Also im not really into mechanics and whatnot. lol but it is quite satisfying also I just learned that chris actually lives pretty close to me which is pretty cool :)
+david Blash wished he lived near me so he can fix my dam car cant trust mechanics in houston
haha, I feel ya. I plan on doing all the work to my car
Great video Chris. Only thing I would like to point out is that draining the radiator and overflow tank does NOT empty the whole system there is still water left in the water jackets in the block and in the heads, also the heater core that stays in the system. That said after your final flush with distilled water you will still have straight water left in the motor, if you use 50/50 premix you are going to water it down further since there is still water left in the motor that you are not able to remove. In areas that get cold in the winter its best to use concentrate and mix it 70/30 that way when it mixes with the water still in the system it deludes down closer to 50/50 rather than less than 50/50.
How would you empty out the rest of that
@ajs622
I've thought the same while watching the video.
Superb information, many thanks! Clear, concise, detailed with good visuals. Thank you for no music!!! Subscribed.
I'm female, in my 60's, don't know much about cars, but high time I learned to do basic maintenance. Now all I have to do is round up some empty milk containers from my neighbors or empty pickle buckets from local fast food place for recycling fluids. They have lids so makes it easy to carry back to auto store. My dashboard heater produces no heat, but fan works fine. I'm sure the heater core is clogged. Car is from 2008, Toyota Yaris Stick Shift. I need to flush out the heater core and radiator for two vehicles, my little RV as well, which is a 1998 Ford E350 V10.
Thank you, Chris!!!! Greetings from California.
I have not seen video like this before how people flush the coolant. I bet 99% when you take your car to a mechanic, they wont do 3-4x times of flushing like Chris did. Good job Chris! Like your video
+David Tedja no most shops actually hook it up to a $3000 professional flush pump thing...
Trey Stine drrrrr im trey stine I like sarcasm drerererr
+Trey Stine well, they are "supposed" to.
And then they find another "issue" ;D
Bingo or the tech does a suck job
Excellent work. Can you imagine the dealer or average service guy flushing this many times to achieve this kind of perfection? This is why it often pays to do your own maintenance.
Then I saw this today;
There is no way the mechanic is doing a complete flush on newer model cars unless the thermostat is easy to access - the best they'll get is about half the coolant out at one time... unless they have a controller that forces a computer-controlled thermostat open. If you wonder why it costs $500 to flush your coolant, it's due to all the time it takes to remove and replace all the parts that are in the way of your thermostat. But if you're only paying the price of the coolant plus another $50 or $100, then they're either not doing a complete flush, or your car has a thermostat that's very easy to remove.
this aluminum roasting pan idea is one of most useful ideas I've seen yet, I think if more folks see this it might be THE standard way people drain stuff...thanks for such a simple but great idea!
Glad the video was helpful!
ChrisFix Hi chris,hope you can haelp me with my 89 corolla,watched on how you flushed the cooling system.. however our country seems not to import any radiator flushes.. so wondered about the distilled water you placed in,is it the drinkable one or is it the sort that you put on the car battery??
I use a plastic rubbermaid bin, plenty of capacity, and higher walls to contain splatter.
Suggestions regarding thermostat replacement. 1) Stuff a rag into the engine side of the thermostat housing to prevent gasket material entering the cooling system while you're cleaning the gasket surface. 2) Use a Scotch Brite pad to clean the gasket surfaces. 3) Always use anti-seize compound on the threads of a steel bolt into aluminum housing.
Should I put anti-seize on brake bleeder screws? I ask because I bled my brakes and ended up rounding the nut heads because they were so tight.
Thank you so much for this, I bought my self a project of a mom van and my plan is to fix everything but the brakes myself. My husband is 100% incapable of doing any car repair himself so people like you on RUclips make me feel like super woman
I'm glad to see you are fixing up a van! Thanks!
Why Diss your husband
My husband disses himself! I changed the oil in both of our rigs and my husbands response was that he'd never be able to do that and that I'm so handy. He's happy that I can easily learn stuff like this.
You were super woman before
Why not fix the brakes too! 👏🏾👏🏾
Chris: Excellent video! I did my '99 and '07 Camry's with amazing results. But, after I demonstrated the results like you did, I ended up doing the Daughters Sienna, a neighbors BMW and the in-laws Chevy truck and Impala. All in all, another great video.
ChrisFix fixed it! ChrisFix is CERTAINLY the best I've ever seen when it comes to things like this! I can watch his videos and I have no questions at all. Straight to the point and easy to understand. I am very detail-oriented and can critique something like you wouldn't believe. ChrisFix passes 100%! He's the best! 👍
If plan (A) you don't have a sucker for the hose, try plan (B) blowing into the reservoir with your mouth over the opening.
That should get the flow going.
Of course if you have a neighbour kid you don't like then invite him over for plan (A).
Did it that way myself today. Worked great. To keep your mouth away from all anti-freeze orifices you could probably do this with a shop vac on blow.
Reub Pru i read this in the guy from the videos voice
Erick Estrada I totally did that!
Bahaha. I can hear it now. "Hey kid, I'll give you five bucks to come suck on my hose." Bahaha. I'm sorry that is terrible.
Kip Fleming mmmmmmm antifreeze
I'm 16 yrs old and i don't have a car but i love watching his videos
As soon as you get a car you are going to know more than most!
OMG Thanks for your reply !
did u get a car yet
I'm 16 too. Just like to inform myself. I have awed some of my relatives with info they don't know Thanks Chris and other RUclips channels.
I have the same deal but i'm 12👍
I LIKE CHRIS..HE'S CLEAR AND TO THE POINT, NO BULL..JUST GET'S ON WITH IT..THANKS//UK
Flushing out my girl with a green smoothie tonight. Get cooking with the @ .
Word right to the point never a bullshit video
Thank you for this tutorial, I just purchased a 1988 Cadillac Brougham and the previous owner only filled the coolant system with water and now it is full of rust. This information is very helpful in helping with the restoration process. This car is literally my dream car so thank you very much. Have a good day.
Glad the video could be helpful! Good luck with your Cadillac!
@ChrisFix, I've fixed cars for a long time - you really do a great job with all components of displaying the work effectively! Great footage, editing, commentary and guidance for novices AND those with more experience that need reinforcement or reference.
Chris very well explained definately learn something from you well done .mechanical methods were superb indeed as a Millwright never too old to learn .
Now I want to buy an old car and clean the cooling system.
Jajajaja
You can borrow mine to clean.
@@catstantine2455 same hahaha :D
Come clean mine
hey mine too
i like to watch your videos, and i like the way you do things and explain everything, but you had my respect on saving the old liquid because is bad for animals and environment, that some honest and kind thing right there.
keep the good job chris !
Hey Chris,
As far as the coolant goes, you can use the Orange coolant (Dexcool) in your car, assuming you flushed out all of the old coolant. After all, thats what majority of GM cars come with from factory. What you should never do though, is mix the two together, as they are chemically incompatible and will gel up and clog your cooling system. For all its trouble, it is better to just flush your system if you have a GM car, or if you're not sure what you have in your system, and stick to the tried and trued Green Coolant. Can be found much more easily, and just easier to handle.
not really, it could work but can also attack the pump or gaskets in the system.
His vehicle is not a GM and I would stick to OEM coolant as it only costs a few bucks more and is made for your car / truck. The only thing is most dealerships only sell 50/50 and why pay more fo half a jug of water!. Have an old empty container to fill halfway with the concentrate coolant and pour distilled water into each one of the coolant bottles ( but easier to use premixed if you need more than 2 jugs ).
Never use Dexcool. Terrible stuff
Oh man, I went to a mechanic to fix a head gasket. He found it was the coolant outlet for a ford fusion. He didn't replace it, he through some stop leak and added new coolant. NEVER FLUSHED IT. I am now fixing myself, and fck it was the most disgusting-looking coolant ever. (still not a head gasket, I had a blown gasket on coolant outlet which was leaking)
All Hail CHEVY!!!
10 MILLION VIEWS. ChrisFix your the man. Its good to see a RUclipsr that Makes Quality informative videos hitting numbers like that.
Thanks a lot!
What a legend
i watched this like 15000 times because i have no life
My next project possibly this weekend after I change my serpentine belt.
Great work in everything you do, your clear and thorough instructions are truly life changing and very much appreciated.
Great video Chris. The only thing I would change is you should put in 100% anti freeze since your draining only about 40-50% of the coolant in the system. If you have 100% water and you drain about 50% of it you would need 100% or concentrated anti freeze. Putting in 50/50% of anti freeze you would only have 1/4 or 25% anti freeze and 75% water. This is the way I have always done coolant change. I hope you agree. You should also check the freezing level of your coolant with a coolant float gauge if you drive where temperatures go below freezing. Thanks, Steven B.
I agree on using the concentrate. However, coolant capacities can vary. My Toyota leaves behind about 1/3 after draining the radiator.
I was thinking the same thing! I'm very surprised Chris doesn't also drain the engine and heater hoses separately. If you don't you have a bunch of very watered down coolant that is mixing with the premixed stuff. If you don't empty the engine or heater, you either have to try to guesstimate how much concentrate coolant to add or you keep flushing with premix coolant to empty out the engine and heater and come close to a 50/50 solution.
@@adamray7178 Hello. Any info how to drain the engine and heater? I've been looking for a video about that but no luck. Thanks!
@@ondrejbures3909 There is usually 1 or 2 drain bolts in the engine block (depending on whether it's an inline or V engine). But, where the drain bolts are is different for each vehicle. Heater hoses are easier to locate because there's usually two entering and exiting the firewall.
@@adamray7178 ABSOLUTELY! After determining the total capacity of the cooling system, the final result should be AT LEAST a 50% ratio of Coolant and Water.
Hey Chris so I have been watching your videos for a very long time. Now been a while I have to say this but to start with THANK YOU VERY MUCH MY FRIEND!!!!
You are probably one of the people I look forward to watching as I work as a tech and make my living fixing vehicles.
I was told by a number that I would not make it but I found your channel and EVERYTHING changed! Been over 5 years now and now I have my ticket in Automotives, and a lot of the stuff I know is because of you.
I finally joined your family and you deserve all the very best in life.
PLEASE KEEP GOING AND POSTING THESE VIDEOS.
You are amazing at what you do believe or not!!!
THANK YOU VERY MUCH MY FRIEND
That is awesome to hear!!! Keep at it!
I've watched two if Chris' videos so far and he really makes an excellent video. I like that he doesn't do the silly, goofy stuff. He is precise, to the point, and the video edits really help makes the flow of the video go smooth. Great job.
Agreed. He has a gift for teaching.
I really like how you explain everything clearly in a straight forward fashion.
Forbidden chocolate milk
I mean its sweet
Ye
he did say its sweet and not for dogs
No that's when a headgasket blows and you change the oil.
If you swallow that shit your liver will crystalize and youll get kidney failures follow by death, thats because of the ethylglycol in coolant.
Excellent , detailed instructions, invaluable! Thank you for posting. My old car is now undergoing maintenance and your video is very useful.
Mate this dude be liking comments from 1825
This was great Chris. I've done this on my other cars but I missed a few good tips like using distilled water, changing the thermostat while your at and the chemical flush. Thanks so much. My 01 V6 5spd Ford Mustang is going to love this! It's only got 70,500 miles original and I plan to treat the car very well and do things proper.
Well did you flush it or were you just running your pie hole?
I've been watching your videos for the last two years and just wanted to let you know that in my opinion they are the best I've seen in this category. Love love love the detail you put into these videos. Thanks man!
Thanks a lot Greg.
Dude I’ve heard of your name for years, seen memes of “trusted mechanic” then they go in the back and watch your vid. I just bought a 2003 grand am Gt 30th anniversary edition from a tweaked out dude, a lot of problems and the coolant was nasty and I clicked on the first vid that popped up, EVERYONE will find there way to you brother
I'm glad this video found you! Hopefully it helps!
I like how you’re always referring us to the owners manual. Thank you for simple instructions.
Chris you the man bro. Love how detailed you are I’m a mechanic and I can’t believe how anyone will dislike your videos they haters
Excellent video, great watch. I might be wrong, but we usually just pop a garden hose into the radiator cap and run the engine with the petcock open until it runs clear. Then do a proper drain and refill.
Great tip
Valid budget option.
Is there a problem with leaving tap water in the block that wont come out when draining? Rust ect? Usually its not good to leave tap water in the system right? When done flushing and you refill the system its going to leave tap water everywhere but the radiator right?
I'm no mechanical, but as far as I understand, the problem is not rust or debris from the tap water but the 'scale'. Think of the white salt like material that builds up on the bottom of a Kettle. That comes from hardness in your water. Some regions (eg coastal or mountians) the water is very soft, and has under 10ppm of hardness, so the garden hose wouldn't be a big problem. Where I am there's around 300 ppm hardness, so leaving a single cup of tap water in the system would be worse than a complete fill with coastal tap water. You can often find your towns water hardness listed online if you're curious
@@MunirHack solid advice. I mean we should all have a home water filtering system by now but that isn't the case 😂
Chris Fix - THE BEST 'how to' car channel on RUclips
Thanks a lot!
Advance Auto Parts: This is advance auto parts, how may i help you?
ChrisFix: Hey GUYS! Chrisfix here!
Advance Auto Parts: Not this guy again.
@MrSolvaring: [ Hangs up receiver ] Toot-toot-toot-toot-toot-toot...
LOL
MrSolvaring I dam ner died when I seen this 😂😂☠️💀
When you're tightening any screw/bolt into aluminum, ALWAYS use a torque wrench. Many people who don't know their own strength have learned this invaluable lesson the hard way!
Not cool to be a stripper I concur... follow Jesus
@@andrew5689 foreal though Justice league
This is a very well done video. You took the time to show-and-tell, and your explanations are proper, without being too technical or too dumbed down. Excellent job Chris, excellent job.
Your videos have come a long way in 8 years. Definitely refined your presentation technique, and the blue gloves was a great idea to let everyone know they're watching CF and not another guy. Kudos for your success, I'm sure you've helped loads of people fix up their cars over the years.
This Dude Will Get Famous Some Day
Thanks!
Pixel Eater this dude is famous!
2 million
2.1 million followers. Most shows on MSNBC are lucky to have 750k -1.5 million viewers.
The only positive thing about NJ is Chrisfix
Quick tip: instead of finding something to suck or sucking on the coolant reservoir hose yourself, you can actually blow through or somehow add pressure into the reservoir via the top opening of the reservoir to achieve the same draining effect and no sucking necessary 😉
I've done this! On a cold radiator top. Out the thermostat hose. Filled it with clean water and blew some more. then started the car and mixing. Wasn't really out to flush, just change the fluid.
I'm about to buy my car from high school again, tender memories... I have to thank you chris, I really want to take of this car this time, helps that its at 98K instead of 204 this time haha. I'll be watching all of your maintenence videos to get it to it's glory days
Awesome!!!
Yeah, it's great that you're doing that, but if the people who used your car haven't treated it properly all the years that they rode it, then it's very likely that it already has a few big problems, unless you replace most of the engine components.
@@danielsilva9502 Luckily this one seems to have been looked after well. MAF sensor failed a month back, but hey, old ass cars, right? It's been great so far, and I smile everytime I drive
Dude knows his stuff. My go to RUclips mechanic!! Thanks for all the great videos big guy! Sincerely appreciate it.
Dan Dimas
Thanks a lot!
@@chrisfixhave to give you one for still replying. Looking forward to learning more from you. Waiting for the trailer build video
Wow you are still lookimg at the comments after 4 years 😂
Yep
@@chrisfix nowAYYYYYYYYYY:))))!!!
well, after 4 years there is still cars cooling system and poeple who need to flush it.
@@reeeeeverblu no. cooling system were made illegal last week. no cars on the road currently have a cooling system
Thanks Chris your decision to do these videos has been a massive help, you have a gift for this bro. I've gained so much confidence to work on my own car, even my wife watches learns and goes out to her car now. She's actually bleeding her own brakes now. Merry Christmas buddy ☃️🎄☃️
Thanks to you, ive had motivation to work on my own cars. I've fixed alot of stuff and learned alot from u. Thanks for your videos Chris
That's what I love to hear! Thanks a lot!
This video is 7 years old and is still the most informative video I’ve found on this topic
No one:
Scientist: H20
Normal people:Water
ChrisFix:Wooder
Angel On wii you meant H2O not H20
The "no one:" literally adds absolutely nothing to this.
Langam I know right. Yet another person who can’t use this fucking format right.
Its Warter
@@ace88205 Is that available at your Toyoter Deala?
The most useful “car protection” vid on Tube !!
(I saw it for first time about 2 years before)
So It is a honest 2 year opinion !!
Chris never forgets a single detail, thanks again
Just watched this today on my 2011 charger, thanks Chris!! You’re so easy to understand and follow. Never stop!!