So I'm not sure if there is a definitive answer to this question, but I'll ask anyways...How long does it take the coolant for fully circulate the entire system?

I ask because I drained 50% of the coolant via the radiator drain plug, an filled it with new fluid. How long will it take for the new coolant to mix/circulate with the "old" coolant.

 

Fast enough. I'm mostly wondering why you drained 50% of it instead of the whole thing. Or why you ask this question. Do you have problems doing the 105K maintenance or something related to your car overheating?

 

I'm not sure of how long it'll take but you need to drain the coolant using the block drain on the back of the engine block. You'll see a ton of debris coming out of it the first time you drain it.

 

the coolant will completely mix within a few minutes of the engine running with the heat on

 

I drained the radiator until nothing else came out; which is about 50%. I didn't drain the other 50% located around engine block per the below thread:


https://acurazine.com/forums/second-...-flush-864511/

 

That I realize, my question is why? As in why not replace it completely? Or why are you replacing it (due?)

Here's the procedure straight from the service manual for instance:

 

Meh, I only collected 2 -3 tablespoons of sand when I totally drained radiator and block...

 

^only sand

 

Instead of making a new post I'll just write it here. I cannot confirm that my coolant has ever been replaced but I did have the timing belt done at 94k miles (122k now) and it may have been done during that service as I know they replaced the waterpump. The coolant in the reservoir is bright and pink/red in color, doesn't look brown or old at all. I have no cooling/heat issues whatsoever.

Should I replace the coolant anyways? If so, where is the best place to get the Honda coolant? Or can I just use some universal "all makes/models" coolant?

Any tips/tricks for draining/filling the coolant?

Thanks

 

You can use a coolant tester to check your coolant quality. Coolant should have been replaced during the 105K service. A good mechanical inspection pre-purchase should include verifying the coolant quality, it takes 2 minutes at best.

Honda dealership for the coolant.

Procedure for changing:

 

I have the receipt for the service, it may say if they replaced it or not (duh).

How often should the coolant be replaced?

 

Depends on your amount of driving + time + region. Every 2-3 years is good and maybe even overkill for some, but coolant is pretty cheap.

A better way is to simply test it with a tester though, worth less than $10 and you can check all the cars you come in contact with!

 

I'll have to invest in one of those testers.

Something like this? http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/p...ter#fragment-3

Thanks for the help.

 

Exactly that, yes.

 

PINK RED COOLANT!??!?!?

you sir are in need of a change.
Honda coolant is blue.
and aftermarket coolant is green.
Since our block is aluminium, you need coolant that is silicate and phosphate FREE.





if your coolant is pink, that means rust from the radiator has contaminated your fluid.

CHANGE ASAP

 

I assume the TB job was not done at a Honda/Acura dealer and they used non-OEM coolant? Just find out what coolant they used and report back. Hopefully they used a compatible coolant.

Acura calls for the first coolant flush at 120K miles or 10 years. Then every 5 years or 60K miles. There is a sticker on the underside of your hood with this info.

Hold on now... I believe there are non-OEM silicate free coolants out there that are pink... They may have used one of those.

 

Whew! wipes sweat off brow!

as we cant inspect the fluid color ourselves; Rust was the only thing that came to mind!
however; if pink coolant is out there, then I trust you NFNSQUARED!

 

That works too! I'd rather just test it than "hope" it lasts 5 yrs/60K miles. Mostly because it gets freaking cold in Canada during the winter.

Yeah freaking dyes they put in coolant. Can be green, pink, blue, orange and even red. As long as it's silicate free like nfnsquared said it should be ok. Why make things simple, right?

 

They might have used Zerex Asian (red/violet). I think there are others out there as well with similar reddish/pinkish dye that are silicate/phosphate free:

http://www.valvoline.com/pdf/Zerex_A...l_Bulletin.pdf

 

Pentosin Coolant uses pink and blue for Europe/Asian cars. I cant remember which one they used for which, but If it is the wrong color, I would be on the safe side and change it out.

 

hopefully it has been as it has been 6 years.............. haha

 

lol super late to the party here, but I'll add- if your water pump has been changed, the coolant has almost certainly been changed, because nearly all of it comes out when you remove the pump if you haven't drained the block.