The cooling and heating system in a Mazda MX-6 is comprised of the radiator, water pump, heater core and water passages located within the engine block. Over time, antifreeze can leave sludge inside these components. Excessive sludge can cause rust inside the thin metal tubes in the radiator and heater core, and can cause the seals in the water pump to leak. Flushing the cooling system is a straightforward procedure that can be accomplished by the vehicle owner, and can save costly repairs in the future.
Instructions
Draining the Cooling System
1. Raise the vehicle using an automotive jack and support with jack stands placed underneath the front subframe.
2. Locate the petcock valve on the lower right corner of the radiator. Place a waste oil collection pan underneath it.
3. Open the radiator cap, by pressing down on it with your hand and turning it counterclockwise.
4. Open the petcock valve by turning it counterclockwise with needle nose pliers. Allow the cooling system to drain completely.
5. Drain the engine coolant into an appropriately sized container.
Flushing the Cooling System
6. Turn the heater controls inside the vehicle to the maximum position.
7. Insert a garden hose into the opening for the radiator cap.
8. Turn on the water hose and allow water to drain through the system into the collection pan. You will have to change the pans frequently. Adjust the flow of the water so the level in the radiator remains consistently full.
9. Run the engine, and allow the system to flush until the water exiting the radiator is clear.
10. Shut off the engine.
11. Turn off the garden hose.
12. Allow all the water to drain from the engine.
Refilling the Cooling System
13. Close the petcock valve by turning it counterclockwise with needle nose pliers.
14. Lower the vehicle, using an automotive jack.
15. Refill the radiator with a 50-50 mix of antifreeze and water.
16. Run the engine with the radiator cap off for five minutes. This will bleed air from the cooling system.
17.Reinstall the radiator cap by dropping it into position. Then press down on it with your hand and rotate it clockwise.
Tips Warnings
Most auto parts stores that accept waste motor oil will accept waste antifreeze as well.
Antifreeze can either be bought at full strength, or premixed as a 50-50 blend of antifreeze and water. Do not dilute the premixed variety.
Always follow the instructions listed in the owner's manual when lifting and lowering a vehicle. Failure to do so could cause injury or death.
The scent of antifreeze is highly attractive to household pets. It is also highly toxic. Keep small children and animals away from antifreeze.
