Anyone tell me the proper procedure for a coolant flush on one of these systems. I would also like to clean the engine and engine bay off, but have read about not getting the opti spark wet. Can this be done without getting it wet?
Unless the coolant system has been neglected you really don't need a flush but rather a complete drain and refill. As to washing the engine. Cover over the alternator and cover critical electronics with plastic and tape. You can't depend on the connector seals after 15 years to keep the water out. The less water the better. It's better to use brushes and only a little water. I've used a product called Simple Green to wash engines before. Standing water around spark plugs with short them out. You can use a compressor (if you have one) to blow off any standing water around the engine after you are done. Pressure washing is really a bad idea around the engine. It forces water into places you don't want it but its great for underneath around the oil pan and tranny. Again you need to keep it away from electrical connectors.
If you really want to get into it, I think there are drain plugs on either side of the block as well. I haven't looked for them myself, but I remember reading something. There is also a cool little air bleeder valve that a guy over on the impala forums sells. I'm sure it's available elsewhere too, but it goes on top of the water pump. A good time to put one on if you're draining the system. Oh I did a quick search: http://www.yourcustomcar.com/coolant-bleeder-valve.html
I've not worried about getting the opti wet, just the alternator. Just run the engine after until it gets hot and evaporates the water.
I've done numerous older flushes, but this is the first car I've had that you don't fill at the radiator. I was just going to flush and fill like I always did but didn't know if there was anything special that needed done. I guess my concern is will it suck up the coolant as you add it to the plastic reservior? Hate to sound stupid, maybe I need to get a repair manual.
I'm sure if you do a search over at the impalass forum you'll get a detailed procedure. I know there is a good one for transmission fluid.
In the ole' dayz I'd put a temperary 2" 90* on the return hose after disconnecting it from the radiator, add 2' of 2" streight hose to drop it south out of th engine bay(AND FAN BLADE) Open up the bottom spigot, stick the garden hose in the radiator and lean back and let the engine do the work! After the flush let the system drain, close everything back up and THEN add 2 gallons or maybe ah little more to top it off again and let the engine mix it. 'Bout 50X50 done deal! AND IF your neighbors critterz annoy you with their deposits in YOUR yard, catch the 1st pan full and leave it out fur 'um Me Bad
