How to Flush the Radiator in a 2003 GMC Yukon

The 2003 GMC Yukon is a large SUV designed for hauling many people around town. Its rather large engine must remain properly cooled if you want to ensure its long life. One overlooked maintenance procedure is a radiator flush. The purpose of a radiator flush is to break away the scaling that is stuck to the inside of the radiator shell. Scaling prevents the radiator from cooling the fluid that flows through the engine. When this happens, the engine overheats, and costly damage occurs. If you remove the scaling via an engine flush, this will not happen.

Instructions

1

Drive the Yukon onto a set of front-end ramps and secure the parking brake to keep it from backing off of the ramps while you work on it. Block the rear tires with wheel chocks for added security.

2

Place a five-gallon bucket under the petcock of the radiator and open the petcock with a pair of pliers. Drain the fluid into the bucket. Empty the bucket of fluid into a larger container for disposal.

3

Remove the lower radiator hose from the radiator by squeezing the tangs of the radiator clamp together then pulling the hose off the radiator. The tangs are two tabs that protrude from each side of the clamp. When squeezed together, the clamp loosens pressure on the radiator hose so it can be moved.

4

Place the five-gallon bucket under the exposed hole in the bottom of the radiator.

5

Insert a garden hose into the filler cap of the radiator located on top of the radiator. Turn the water on and spray the inside of the radiator with the hose. Continue until the water that flows out of the bottom of the radiator is clean.

6

Squeeze the tangs on the radiator clamp and slide the radiator hose back onto the radiator. Let go of the tangs to secure the hose to the radiator.