02-27-2026, 12:41 PM
My input, sample size of one, is that it depends.
When was the last time the coolant was changed? Are you running conventional or ELC?
You say you lost most, but the remaining coolant is indeterminate. Did you add coolant or water to limp home? If water, was it distilled water or creek water?
My thinking is that you can keep the valves closed, remove the hoses from the valves, and do all your testing without involving the total 17/18 gallons of coolant in the system. When you get the hose to front/heater core water tight, only then do you decide to flush and refill OR top off what you have.
When was the last time the coolant was changed? Are you running conventional or ELC?
You say you lost most, but the remaining coolant is indeterminate. Did you add coolant or water to limp home? If water, was it distilled water or creek water?
My thinking is that you can keep the valves closed, remove the hoses from the valves, and do all your testing without involving the total 17/18 gallons of coolant in the system. When you get the hose to front/heater core water tight, only then do you decide to flush and refill OR top off what you have.
Richard and Rhonda Entrekin
95 Newell, 390 Ex caretaker
99 Newell, 512 Ex caretaker
07 Prevost Marathon, 1025
Maverick Hybrid Toad
Inverness, FL (when we're home
)