How to change coolant and trans fluid on 04 yukon Vortec?

[taylorjm]

The part I was worried about breaking was the actual radiator. I couldn't get the fitting to come out of the radiator without really having to put a lot of pressure on it, and I was worried about damaging the radiator. That's why I disconnected the quick connect and clamped a hose to the nut instead.

 

[McFatterson]

Dont use anti slip additive, it only lasts a few hundred miles..
Install a vetter servo and better OD servo.. they last forever and will stop your slipping, on older trannys.

What is a vetter servo and OD servo? Cheap and easy to install?

Looks like I'll be picking up Dexron 6 fluid and trans filter/gasket in the next few days. Comes out to ~$110 at Autozone.

Autozone only sells 1 type of auto trans filter for these trucks... Is there any benefit to going with a more expensive one somewhere else or will the Autozone one be okay?

Will be piecing together a PVC coolant flusher and changing the coolant tonight...

I'll let you guys know how it goes.

Thx

 

[ScottyBoy]

From what I have seen, the Dexron 3 looks like it is being phased out. Yo can only find it in a store brand now. Castrol and Pennzoil don't make it anymore. They are making the Dexron 6 and pushing that for all Dexron 3 vehicles since it is compatible. Walmart now makes a Dexron 6 (Supertech) which is GM approved for use in all Dexron 6 vehicles. A lot of guys on GMfullsize said they have used that since its so much cheaper than the Castrol.

 

[taylorjm]

Sounds like your in business make a few thousand paint it black name it gmc easy flush an off to autozone your product goes an I get 8% profit for the business idea

Man, I didn't think it was that great of an idea! 8% would be a deal! lol

I talked to a guy at autozone before about some kind of coolant evacuator that you plugged into the surge tank, it pulled a vacuum and sucked everything out, then you put a hose into a bucket of fresh coolant and released the vacuum, and the new coolant was sucked back in. I asked him how it was possible, of course he didn't know, but he said it was enough vacuum that the hoses would collapse in and get 99% of the coolant.

What I didn't understand, is that the block/radiator are all solid, and I told him that you can't just put it under a vacuum and suck fluid out of it. I told him that would be like wrapping my lips around a beer bottle, and sucking, and expecting the beer to just be sucked up into my mouth. It can't happen. Of course he said it works....So how can that work????

 

[ScottyBoy]

Man, I didn't think it was that great of an idea! 8% would be a deal! lol

I talked to a guy at autozone before about some kind of coolant evacuator that you plugged into the surge tank, it pulled a vacuum and sucked everything out, then you put a hose into a bucket of fresh coolant and released the vacuum, and the new coolant was sucked back in. I asked him how it was possible, of course he didn't know, but he said it was enough vacuum that the hoses would collapse in and get 99% of the coolant.

What I didn't understand, is that the block/radiator are all solid, and I told him that you can't just put it under a vacuum and suck fluid out of it. I told him that would be like wrapping my lips around a beer bottle, and sucking, and expecting the beer to just be sucked up into my mouth. It can't happen. Of course he said it works....So how can that work????

I can see it sucking a good portion of the coolant out but not 100% of it. The only way I could see it getting any more than 50% of it out was if it was a heavy duty electric vacuum pump like you use on AC systems. Even then, I would be scared to put that much vaccum on my cooling system and risk collapsing the radiatior. Its only designed to operate under 15-20lbs of pressure, and a heavy duty vacuum pump will easily exceed that.

 

[McFatterson]

Any word on the tranny filter? Might try out the Dexron 6 WalMart brand depending on how much cheaper it is.

I thought I had the pieces necessary to make one of those coolant flush things but couldn't get it to work... Went to Home Depot and picked some new pieces up.... hopefully I can get it to work this time.

Another issue is the power steering seems to be sticking slightly and making noise occasionally when turning at low speeds... it sounds almost like the rack is dry. I looked inside the reservoir (it's not low) and the fluid looks pretty dark brown. Maybe time for a PS fluid change as well? How often does it need to be changed? Any recommendations on what to use?

Edit: STILL doesn't work.... My PVC is too big and I cannot find anything that fits. Taylorjm where did you get that black hose piece? I can't find anything like it. What is the OD?

Thx

 

[McFatterson]

Bump... still unable to flush this damn coolant.... didn't think it would be this tough... can't get anything put together well enough to hold pressure. Not sure where that guy got his parts at but I can't find anything like it at any home depot, lowes or autoparts shop.

Also tried to get into dropping the transmission pan but it looks a bit tougher than everyone was making it out to be.

Any info on how to change the transmission filter? I haven't been able to find any write ups on this for a 2004 Yukon 5.3L.


Thanks in advance.

 

[taylorjm]

Hey, sorry I didn't see your post earlier. The black piece is for 1-1/4" hose. I found it at a Menard's store, which is the same as a home depot. If you can't find it there then look at a swimming pool supply store because pool hose is also 1-1/4". You could also look for one with the sump pump fittings because the discharge hose is also 1-1/4". Then I just pieced together the rest to get to a air hose fitting. You don't need a real tight seal because I only put in a max of 20 psi and it all came gushing out.

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

http://www.poolsupplies.com/cgi-bin...e=pdgcommtemplates/plain/multiitem_parts.html

---------- Post added at 10:14 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:08 PM ----------

As far as the PS fluid, everyone told me to just get a turkey baster and suck out as much as you can, and refill with new stuff. Then drive it for awhile, then suck and replace. Do this for a total of 3 times. I haven't done it yet, but I'm going to soon.

Here's the guide I found on changing trans fluid and filter. Not for sure it applies to your vehicle so double check that part.

http://gmfullsize.com/forum/showthread.php?t=179148

 

[edgil1985]

What would you guys recommend for flushing with if I plan on going to Full Synthetic ATF?

 

[YukonCarl]

I do not have money to take to a mechanic so please do not say just take to a mechanic.

Searched and surprisingly could not find a write-up or other info on how to change the coolant on my 04 Yukon. I have 2 gallons of orange Dexcool coolant. Will this be enough along with 2 gallons of distilled water? Is there a bolt or something from the top that I have to unscrew to let the coolant drain?

I searched for a drain plug on the bottom of the radiator but could find nothing... I have an air compressor for one of those coolant exchanger things.... Is it easier to go this route? If so where do I rent one?

I also have to change the trans fluid.... it is way overfilled for some reason... I have no idea how long its been like this. Is there any harm from overfilling the trans?

How do I change the trans fluid? What type of fluid and filter work best(I see a lot of different opinions on this) I'm worried about it slipping over time... I hear this is a major issue on these trucks.

Any help is greatly appreciated.



Edit: Just called Autozone and they do not rent coolant exchangers. The guy suggested removing the lower radiator hose on the passenger side and let it drain that way with the radiator cap open then filling with distilled water, let it run for a bit, drain that and replace with the 50/50. Any opinions on this?


Also any info on where to take old coolant???
Thx

I just discovered I need to drain the radiator by removing the lower hose. How did u manage to do this. I have a 1997 yukon