Coolant Gushing Out!

[jfox00]

I was having a bit of trouble getting the old expansion tank out - the instructions I was following were close, but not exactly the same for my 3.0i, and I think at least one part was stuck to the point I was afraid I was going to break something. I had AAA tow the car to my indy, and gave them the part. Should have it back tomorrow...assuming they don't break anything.

New car, we've pondered this heavily! Wife and I like the Acadia (Denali trim), probably the front runner right now. We test drove the GL-450, but we'd have to get one that's a couple of years old, and I worry a little about maintenance costs once warranties run up. I don't like the Enclave, Wife doesn't like explorer or durango, we both don't want a mini-van, and we see no reason to with with a toyota or honda over the Acadia. Like the LR4, but gas millage is awful (same for GL), and maintenance again would be a worry (we can't afford new, would need to get something a couple of years old with < 30K miles). Any other thoughts?

[Ricky Bobby]

For the wife? Used Lexus or Acura

Acadia in Denali trim is gorgeous but I don't think it's a maintenance free vehicle.

Hope the guys at the shop can get the tank replaced without other hiccups. But you're right over years the plastic connectors on the hose ends almost fuse to the tank

[jfox00]

The shop is telling me they also need to "bleed the system" after replacement. Is that necessary? If so, how much time/cost would you expect for that? Thanks!

[upallnight]

They will need to get the engine hot so they take your car for a joy ride and once the engine is hot and before it begins to overheat they will open the bleeder screw and let the air/steam out until water starts coming out.

It's probably an hour job since they need to drive to some place for lunch.

[X5Flyboy]

Managed to dodge a bullet as during a stay in Charleston, SC. the radiator had just started leaking the day before I had brought it into my indie for an oil change and "look over" prior to heading back to Idaho. I ALWAYS have the car "looked at" before a long trip. In this case, my indie had a radiator in stock and I was good to go within a few hours.

I shudder to think what would have happened if it had not been found before traveling up I-26 & I-40 to Nashville. 2000 miles away from home.

[cn90]

Bleeding coolant in M52 and M54 engines can be tricky. But if you follow these tricks, your life will be simple:

1. Replace the reservoir as you mentioned.

2. With engine COLD and OFF: fill with 50-50 coolant (I use Prestone Green + distilled water), but here is the trick...Fill about 1" above the KALT marking.

3. Slightly open the bleeder screw near the tstat housing, coolant will eventually flow out of this bleeder screw. Then gently tighten it (don't break it).

4. Make sure coolant level is 1" above KALT marking.

5. Get a small water bottle and rinse the outside of the reservoir and the tstat housing area. This way any leak later is not confused with old coolant from this job.