Do anyone know a "DO-IT-YOURSELF" instructions on how to change the coolant on a 2001 Monte Carlo SS? That was my problem I had because I knew I could have saved some money from just me doing it on my on instead of the shop.

 

This is what I do....

I buy like 6 gallons on distilled water...and two gallons of coolant.

Drain the radiator, fill it with nothing put pure distilled water...run the car till it reaches operating temp, drain the radiator again, then fill back up with distilled water, and and run again till the car reaches operating temp...I repeat this about 4-5 time, or until the radiator starts draining nothing but plain clear water...Once you have nothing but distilled water in the system, drain the radiator, and fill it with nothing but 100% concentrate coolant, and top off the coolant over flow too. Then run the car for a while, and check coolant level again, topping off with straight coolant.

This gets you pretty damn close to a 50/50 mix of water and coolant, and flushes all of the old coolant out of the system...

Using distilled water is better for your cooling system, because it keeps hard water deposits from forming in the cooling system....

And anytime you top off your coolant, you should use a 50/50 mix of coolant and water to top it off....

Hope this helps!

 

I really appreciate it, but how do you change it compared to the bottom hose on the radiator being in a very tight spot. Once I've seen where the bottom hose was located, that's when I just took it to the shop and let them fo it. I was kinda afriad if I was gonna mess something up with the little time I had to pick my daughter up.

 

Hmmm on my 3.5L there is a drain plug on the lower left hand side of the radiator..(left side if you are standing infront of the car with the hood open)...I know you have the 3.8L though, and that is probably different.

My mom has a 3.8L Bonneville, and I know the drain plug for the radiator on that is on the bottom of the radiator on the right side. Its kinda a pain to get to because you have to get to it from under the car and the bumper is in the way. But it is possible because i've done it 3 times on that car. This is probably the set up you have being its the same engine...

BTW, first time i've seen your signature pic...NICE Monte!

 

But you mamonte, I have seen either a thread or a website that explains why chevy drop the drain plug on newer model cars. Which in order for you to change your coolant, you will have to disconnect the lower hose to the radiator instead of a plug that doesn't exist. I wish it was one there. I gave up too fast though.

 

Well, I know my moms 2000 bonneville has a drain plug, and I know my 06 Monte has one too...I've used them to drain it before. My 03 Cavalier had a drain plug too.

If I was you, I would look a little harder for it, I would be really surprised if you honestly did not have a radiator drain plug SOMEWHERE on your radiator. Like I said, the one on the Bonneville was a pain to find and service, but it is there....

Try a Haynes manual...they are pretty good, and should be able to tell you where the drain plug is........

 

The drain plug is on the bottom right hand side pr the radiator while looking towards the car. Make sure you flush it like was said earlier. And make sure there is no air. There should be a air relief twist cap on yours. Good luck, and yes, very nice monte.

 

See pinkfloyd, I was wondering, is it hard to get to the drain plug because it looks, it looks like its pretty hard to get too. I thought it wasn't a drain plug on 2001 and above monte carlo's! Hmm! I rather believe you on the drain plug than believing someone who told me that it wasn't one. How do I stop the air from entering the lines. Please, can you give me a thorough break down of what it is the procrdure?

 

I'm pretty sure you do have a drain plug on your 01...Like I said my mom's Bonneville with the same 3800 series II V6 has a drain plug on the radiator. And YES, it is difficult to get to, but you can do it. Its at the bottom of the radiator on the right side if you are standing infront of the car looking at it.

you will get air in the system when flushing it, but you need to make sure you work it all out. I usually drive mine for a while, then check the coolant, and add as necessary. Make sure when you drive it for the first time you are using the heater too. This will make sure that your entire cooling system is getting circulated. Then just continue to check your coolant for about a week after you flush it, and top it off as needed. It will naturally work the air out. You just need to be faithful about checking to make sure your coolant overflow has fluid in it, because as the air inworked out of the system, it will pull coolant from the overflow.

 

Listen to MAMonte, he knows his stuff. I have a 2000 MC SS 3.8 and should be same set up. Drain plug is actually EASY to get to. There is a black plastic shroud underneath your car that sorta hangs down and in the way. Its about 6 small bolts across the whole front of the car. Just take that off, it will make life so much easier. Then, just like he said, the plug is on the driver side. Find a deep socket, cant remember the right size, and loosen that sucker off and have a pan ready. Its extremely easy.

As far as air in the system, it will obviously happen. Just bleed it using the bleeder screw on the thermostat housing. Also when you add the coolant, just add it with the front end jacked up and bubbles up a little better.