changing coolant?

[groupset]

I couldn't find a picture of the engine block drain, but here's a good thread about it: http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/f...ad.php?t=33635

As discussed in that thread, if you slide under the truck like you're going to change the oil and look straight up at the rear side of the engine block you'll see the coolant drain bolt - it looks like a big brake bleeder valve and is pretty much the only thing up there on that side. As far as introducing an air bubble into the system - per the service manual (after draining and refilling the cooling system):

12. Install the radiator cap loosely.
13. Start the engine and let it run until it warms up (the radiator fan comes on at least twice).
14. Turn off the engine. Check the level in the radiator and add Honda coolant if needed.
15. Put the radiator cap on tightly, then run the engine again, and check it for leaks.

Steps 12 and 13 above are to bleed all the air out of the cooling system. Coolant capacity per the service manual (including the reserve tank capacity of .16 US gallons) is 1.64 gal. after coolant change.

[speedlever]

Thanks groupset.

[silveridge]

While bonding with my Ridge last summer, I took this pic into the right front wheel well with the wheel removed. The brass fitting at the approximate center is the coolant drain bolt. (It appears to be angled up in the pic, but it's more or less horizontal.) As I recall, it takes a 1/4" I.D. drain hose/tube.

The coolant replacement procedure is described in Section 10 of the service manual.

[laserguy]

Maybe speed can post that page of the service manual here.

[speedlever]

Soitainly!

[alawight]

Question? Would selecting full hot on both climate controls while engine is running before commencing radiator drain open heater valves to allow more fluid to drain? Of course motor would be shut down before draining. Al "The Edge of Nowhere"

[rollinhonda]

Originally Posted by alawight

Question? Would selecting full hot on both climate controls while engine is running before commencing radiator drain open heater valves to allow more fluid to drain? Of course motor would be shut down before draining. Al "The Edge of Nowhere"

I suspect any coolant flow through the heater core is constant, no valve involved. Only doors to direct the air flow. Of course, the engine would be warmed enough to open the engine thermostat.

[CrowMagnumMan]

Originally Posted by laserguy

Honda recommends at 100k plus miles, usually when the T belt is replaced, the water pump and other belts and pulleys are changed, therefore the coolant fluid is changed at the same time. 105k miles should be a valid answer.

Laser - Where is the above information cited? All I can find is the handy-dandy chart from Joe which recommends 120K or 10 years, whichever comes first. Maybe I should consider doing it sooner than those recommendations?

http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/f...ad.php?t=27813

[silveridge]

Originally Posted by alawight

Would selecting full hot on both climate controls while engine is running before commencing radiator drain open heater valves to allow more fluid to drain? Of course motor would be shut down before draining.

Originally Posted by rollinhonda

I suspect any coolant flow through the heater core is constant, no valve involved. Only doors to direct the air flow. Of course, the engine would be warmed enough to open the engine thermostat.

Here’s the first step in doing a coolant replacement (per the 2006-2007 Service Manual):

1. Start the engine. Set the heater temperature control dial to maximum heat, then turn off the ignition switch. Make sure the engine and radiator are cool to the touch.

[laserguy]

Originally Posted by CrowMagnumMan

Laser - Where is the above information cited? All I can find is the handy-dandy chart from Joe which recommends 120K or 10 years, whichever comes first. Maybe I should consider doing it sooner than those recommendations?

http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/f...ad.php?t=27813

That info is correct, maybe when the T belt is done, they do not replace the water pump, therefore 120k is fine, but most do the water pump at 105k with the T belt, when replacing the W pump the cooling is replaced also.