How to Flush the Radiator for a 2000 Buick

by Zyon SilketUpdated July 10, 2023
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Now that your 2000 Buick has been on the road for more than a decade, it’s time to flush the radiator to avoid any unforeseen issues that could cause catastrophic engine failure. Don't take your Buick to a repair facility and pay a lot of money to have the radiator flushed. Doing the job yourself with basic automotive tools saves money and gives you the satisfaction of knowing the job was done right.

Things You'll Need:

  • Ramps
  • Wheel chuck
  • Drainage pan
  • Pliers
  • Large storage container

1. Drive your Buick onto a set of wheel ramps and secure the emergency break

Drive your Buick onto a set of wheel ramps and secure the emergency break. Place a wheel chuck behind the rear tire to prevent the Buick from rolling backwards while you work on it.

2. Open the engine bay hood and allow the engine to cool off

Open the engine bay hood and allow the engine to cool off. Remove the radiator cap to relieve pressure on the cooling system.

3. Place a drain pan under the petcock (drain) of the radiator

Place a drain pan under the petcock (drain) of the radiator. Turn the drain counterclockwise to open it. If the drain does not move, turn it with pliers. Allow all of the fluid to drain into the pan.

4. Place the drain pan

Place the drain pan under the location where the lower radiator hose connects to the radiator.

5. Remove the clip that secures the hose to the radiator with a pair of pliers

Remove the clip that secures the hose to the radiator with a pair of pliers. Slide the clip back and pull the hose free from the radiator. Drain the hose into the radiator.

6. Place the fluid from the drain pan into a larger storage container

Place the fluid from the drain pan into a larger storage container. The container must be able to hold 5 to 10 gallons of fluid. Place the drain pan back under the radiator.

7. Place a garden hose into the radiator and clean the inside walls of the radiator

Place a garden hose into the radiator and clean the inside walls of the radiator until the water draining from the radiator is clean. Empty the drain pan as necessary. It could take several gallons of water to clean the radiator depending on the degree of sludge.

Video showing how to change coolant in a Buick LeSabre:

Helpful comments on this video:

  • Thank you Sir, just enough vital detailed information to make my life easier, and my cooling system last for another 150k. Great video exactly what I was looking for!!
  • ProTip: You can get to the petcock from the lower part of the bumper

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