Learn how to replace your radiator if your cooling system is too far gone (wont get clean, has a leak, overheating, etc): kzfaq.info/get/bejne/g8uiqKSLysitlYk.html

this video have been 9 years ago and yet chris still replying people's comments im alive

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.

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.

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!

Imagine buying a second hand car from this guy. Would be an absolute minter.

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.

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.

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. KZfaq is filled with people taking shortcuts; it's so important that we have examples of doing things the right way.

The look on my boyfriend’s face tomorrow when I tell him I’m going to change the coolant will be priceless.

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...

It's respectable that Chrisfix, a KZfaqr his size, still takes time to read comments and answer questions on old videos.

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 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! :-)

Thank God for KZfaq 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 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!!!!

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 don't even have a car but this is so satisfying to watch xD

I’m a 16 year old Australian watching this at 11pm because it will most likely be useful at some point in life

Mate this dude be liking comments from 1825

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. 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

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).

Now I want to buy an old car and clean the cooling system.

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!

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.

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!

You have such high quality videos. You don't skip a single detail

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.

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.

My grandpa and i been doing this since 1996. Its nice to see the next gen doing stuff like this and teaching others in the process, way to go

Wow you are still lookimg at the comments after 4 years 😂

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.

It’s been 7 years and Chris is still liking his followers comments! He’s the best!❤

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.

Doing a flush on my '96 Cherokee. I'm 6 flushes in and it's still brown hahaha

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.

Chris thank you so much I blew my heater bypass line yesterday and I swapped out my hoses today and then did my first ever coolant flush. I’ve been watching your videos for years but have only started doing the stuff this year and my car is running/looking amazinf

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.

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.

Thanks dude!!! I was intimidated to do this myself but you made it super easy. Got it done and heading to AZ for the winter with confidence and saved me alot of money

Did this on a GMC Sonoma 2.2l engine. Did not ever run close to clear after 3 flushes, remained the stay the same after the second flush. I was told that the fluid in the block is below radiator hose and would need to open a plug in the block to drain. I do like your videos as the best on KZfaq. Thanks for effort it takes to that them.

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.

Forbidden chocolate milk

Already 7 yrs but went back to this bcs i need to do it. Chris is a lifesaver.

Give the used antifreeze to the guys who make Fireball Whiskey. They love it.

I've learnt more from Chris' videos than I have at trade school in the past year and a half.

You did a great job concisely explaining the entire process and editing. Thank you.

Just got my first car and watching your videos makes everything so much easier, thank you!!

WHY DO I WATCH THESE I'M 12 AND THE CLOSEST THING I HAVE ARE GO KARTS, I CAN'T STOP WATCHING THESE XD

After watching all your videos. I feel i can put my name in the paper as a classified mechanic.

Note the use of prediluted coolant is only feasible if you can get all the coolant out. More commonly you will have a lot of water still in the engine block etc. So you need to add conctrate to half the volume of your system, and top up with distilled water.

This video is 7 years old and is still the most informative video I’ve found on this topic

Don't forget to fill up the thermostat hole with rag so the gasket pieces don't go down into engine block!!

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!

Thank you for explaining things so clearly for car maintenance beginners like me.

Hi Chris ,it's a pleasure watching your videos ,from cleaning to maintaining. You do an awesome job educating. Thanx a million

This Dude Will Get Famous Some Day

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've been an auto mechanic for over 20 years. Many of the problems I see daily could have easily been avoided by simply following the vehicles maintenance schedule. I use a program on my computer called Automotive Wolf car care software to keep track of all the maintenance for my 3 cars, a truck and even a generator. It automatically can send you text message reminders when any type of service is due. Two of my vehicles have over 200,000 miles and have never needed any repairs. Want to save money? Follow your maintenance schedule!

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.

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.

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!

Bro, you’re the most straight forward, honest, helpful teacher I’ve known for a while….I was fortunate enough to meet 1 when I was a kid, but damn bro, I didn’t think y’all still existed hahaha….very happy with all the videos, thank you for your guidance!!

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.

Bro this vid is from 3 years ago but you liked a comment from 30 minutes ago. Wow.

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.

Brother man, you would be a great voice actor. Found your channel today and I already know my life is about to change for the better. Thank you for taking the time to make these videos and being so thorough in your explanations. Bless yo 🙏🏽

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.

Why did 1.9k people dislike this video. Do they not like being taught how to take care of their vehicles?

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 have been maintaining my car on my own recently to cut costs, and your videos helped a lot!

Chris I just swapped the radiator hoses, radiator, ac condenser, ignition coil, fan assembly and the radiator cap lol I'm super pumped because the van is actually working now!

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.

I really appreciate how you go step by step on the procedure and the explanations you give are easy to understand. super job mate

Thank you Chris i watched this video when it originally came out and its cool to come back and watch it years later very helpful. I recently purchased a car and discovered that someone mixed two incompatible coolants together and my system gelled over the other day. Going to use your techniques in this video to fix my issues!

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.

I wanna record you saying water and make it my ringtone.

I like you because you care about the environment

My neighbor just recommended me this video thank so much Chris very in-depth on everything. Thank you so much bro.

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.

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.

18:13 Wow this guy has a robotic arm that measures torque, impressive!

Chris I have been watching you since I was 7 and I didn’t know you made so many videos and they are all so useful so thank you for helping my uncle with a lot and I can tell you will be a great help for me when I start driving

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! 👍

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!

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 KZfaq make me feel like super woman

Great video, but as a retired mechanic, I would have also replaced the radiator cap as well. Just to promote a better sense of security. The radiator cap is an oft overlooked part of cooling system maintenance, and a bad one can cause an unnecessary shop fee.

Watched quite a few car fix videos but yours are the best keep em going I'll always be watching👍

Love how he doesn't even blur out the plate,just covers it with a paper and his name lol

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.

As usual your video was the most complete explanation of the job at hand. Every point was clearly explained. Also noted all the safety points along the way. Keep up the great work!!!

Damn this is 8 years old. I just watched a video with you and Shmee 150 together! Did you ever think you're channel would grow this big and grab so much attention?! It's amazing how far you've come and we still see the same driveway now with a Hummer lol but just awesome to know how many ppl you've helped over the years including myself! Keep it coming!

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!

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!!!

Thank you for a thorough, comprehensive tutorial on coolant flushing.

I'm 16 yrs old and i don't have a car but i love watching his videos

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.

This video of yours is pretty old 7 years now. You have helped me with a lot of car projects as well when I was just learning. I am also still learning and trying to learn more. I have a VW once again in my life and I am bringing it back to life. I would like to do a coolant flush on that and obviously its very different and theres not much info anywhere on how to.

Chris, a great series of video's for the DIY'er. I do want to point out a couple of things however. The blue funnel your using is wider at one side so pouring in that side makes it easier to to hit the mark and have less spillage. Also, I recommend the OEM thermostat, oftentimes the cheap aftermarket ones cause problems. On my Toyota, there is a jiggle valve in the thermostat, follow your service manuals placement recomendation if your car's thermostat has one.