static808

Hey everybody.

Looking to do a radiator flush on my 2005 RL. Was going to have the dealer do it but figured asking the people here if anybody has done it.

If anybody has done it can they provide a few pointers or should I just go to the dealer and let them do it for like $90.

Thanks in advance.

kirbyflorida

There is no reason to do this, the anti-freeze is good for 100,000 miles, not sure how many years.

Chas2

Absolutely correct. And I think the Honda Type 2 (which is blue) coolant is 5 years/100,000 Kilometers (60K miles). Or so the dealer told me after I fixed a blown head gasket in my 2G Legend and they converted me over to the premix Type 2 coolant that they put in their *newer* cars.

In addition, Honda antifreeze is non silicated. The generic anti-freeze can be a problem. Silicated anti freeze is a quick fix for traditional anti-freeze originally formulated for cast iron block engines so that the formula is friendly to aluminum. Honda non-silicated anti freeze is formulated for aluminum engines. Apparently the silicates are very abrasive and wear on seals, especially water pumps...

Or so the dealer said....

Did they tell you that you had to do it?

One advantage of having a dealer do it is environmental disposal. Dumping anti freeze in the storm water sewers or down your toilet/sink into the sanitary sewer system is problematic.

Yes, I used to work in the environmental compliance area.

static808

Hey everybody. Thanks for the feedback. They were saying that the car has 61,000 miles (2005 RL = 3yrs old) and it would be a good idea. Also they noticed the reserve tank is a little low. Didn't think it was all that bad but figured ask the board for some input. I guess the $90 fee is a good point for the dealer. Thanks for the input. I guess steering away from Prestone and using Honda anti-freeze is the best for any future flush.

Tsx6363

no DIYs for radiator flush?

lland

If you need to replace your coolant, you should get a code "5" on the MID maintenance reminder. I'd be willing to bet the dealer is trying to drum up some business as times are slow for all car delaers and they have goals to meet. Did they check the level cold? It expands and the level will be higher when hot and should be checked when hot (but don't open a hot radiator). What did they mean by "a little low?" Was it below the MIN mark on the tank or just below the MAX? Just being low doesn't mean it needs to be changed.

LL

Costco

This is a 7 month old thread....

that said a flush is totally unnecessary, just drain and refill. You can't really flush a radiator since the passages won't really allow that much high pressure to really flush everything out. If absolutely necessary, replace upper and/or lower radiator hoses if cracked or leaking. If it makes you feel better, drain and refill multiple times to make sure you get all of the coolant still inside the water passages in the engine. Again though, not really necessary and won't make a negligible difference in driveability.