Civic Radiator Drain/Refill Question

[Matthew Ross]

I have a 2009 Honda Civic and I’m preparing to do the 100,000 mile tune up, which includes a coolant change. According to Honda, flushes are not recommended for their coolant systems. Even at the dealership, they just drain and refill.

The repair manual says to drain the system in two places (radiator plug, and the bolt on the cylinder head). The question I have deals with the amount of coolant to add. Below are the capacities. Which one do I go by?

A/T with heater: engine overhaul 7.1 L (1.88 US gal, 1.56 Imp gal)
A/T with heater: coolant change 5.5 L (1.45 US gal, 1.21 Imp gal)

Is this considered a coolant change or an engine overhaul?

Thanks,

Matt

Topic

[Mathieu]

It’s quite simple.

A/T with heater: engine overhaul 7.1 L (1.88 US gal, 1.56 Imp gal) = all the fluid in the system.
A/T with heater: coolant change 5.5 L (1.45 US gal, 1.21 Imp gal) = the fluid in the hose and radiator. You need to change is 5.5. litter. It’s near the same as usual car.

If you change the thermostat in few year you will need to put 7.1 L of coolant.

After each coolant change you need to put out the air out of you engine by using the procedure in this video. When you do that you will avoid head gasket leak.
[video]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUpXgAJ1gjU&list=PL034A0CBCE388E429[/video]

[Matthew Ross]

Thanks for the quick reply. I thought since I was draining both plugs that the entire system would be dry. But, I guess there’s more coolant somewhere else.

Radiator Plug

Drain Plug on Cylinder Head

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[Mathieu]

You can use the drain plug or just remove the radiator cap on the top “as well” the radiator.That allow air coming in the radiator ans hoses to drain the fluid.

[EricTheCarGuy]

As long as you do the changes about every 60K or so you should be fine with just a drain and refill of the radiator. That’s all we ever did at the dealer. As for how much, a gallon should cover it. It’s VERY important that you bleed the air out when your done however. Use the above video to help you with that.

[Author]

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