What is the easiest way to drain the engine coolant on a 2004 Oldsmobile Alero 3.4 liter engine ? Block and radiator.

Located on the very bottom of the radiator is a Large hose and the Drain Valve is there, open the valve, drain all the fluid, open the top of the radiator, hold a running water hose to fill the radiator, start the car find the balance of water flow, in the water hose and the drain. When the engine is warm about 3-5 minutes. It will then start cycling through the engine you may need to increase water hose flow now to keep the radiator full. Flush for 2-3 minutes or until crisp clear water is draining from the Drain valve. Turn off the car let all water drain completely. Then fill with Coolant. Water mix of 50%/50% coolants are suggested for summer time operation.
GoodLuck!!!

Cooling System Draining and Filling (Static Fill)

Draining Procedure

Warning! In order to avoid personal injury, do not remove the cap or open the cooling system drains from a hot system. Allow the system to cool first.


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ImportantA 7.6 liter (8 qt) coolant container will be needed.

1. Place the coolant container under the radiator drain **** located at the bottom of the right radiator end tank.
2. Open the drain **** and drain the coolant. A small amount of coolant will drain from the system.


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3. Remove the surge tank cap from the surge tank and the coolant will drain from the system.


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4. For LE5 and LAT vehicles, if the engine block needs to be drained, a drain bolt is located near the bottom of the water pump assembly.
5. Inspect the coolant.
6. Follow the appropriate procedure based on the condition of the coolant.
• Normal in appearance--follow the filling procedure.
• Discolored--follow the flush procedure. Refer to Coolant System Flushing .

Filling Procedure

Caution! All entrapped air must be purged from the powertrain cooling system before the final coolant level can be determined. Proper coolant level is critical to avoid engine damage.
ImportantThe vehicle must be level when filling the cooling system.

1. Slowly add a mixture of 50/50 DEX-COOL antifreeze and clean water to the coolant surge tank. Fill the cooling system as indicated below:
• For LE5/LAT vehicles when the engine block is not drained, add 3.5 liters (3.7 qts)
• For LE5/LAT vehicles when the engine block is drained, add 6 liters (6.3 qts)
• For LZ4/LY7 vehicles, add 5 liters (5.3 qts)

2. Start the engine and check for leaks.
3. Run the engine and cycle the vehicle from idle to 3,000 RPM in 30 second intervals until the engine cooling fan comes ON, the engine cooling fan turns ON at approximately 102°C (216°F). Repeat this process twice before the engine is turned OFF.
4. Return the engine to idle, and idle for 30 seconds, then turn the engine OFF.
5. Allow the vehicle to cool, before adding additional coolant.
ImportantThe level in the surge tank will return into the cold fill range once the vehicle cools.

6. Add additional coolant to the surge tank until the level is approximately 13 mm (0.5 in) above the surge tank seam.
7. Install the coolant surge tank cap.
8. Hope this helps.

There is none. Only on the radiator.

REPLACE WATER PUMP ON A 1999 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. FIRST YOU HAVE TO DRAIN COOLANT SYSTEM IN A LARGE DRAIN. RADIATOR DRAIN PLUG SHOULD BE ON THE BOTTOM ON PASSENGER SIDE. THEN RAISE THE VECHICLE SUPPORT VECHICLE WITH JACKSTANDS. REMOVE THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD FROM THE ENGINE. CAUTION DO NOT ROTATE THE FLEX COUPLING ON THE FRONT EXHAUST PIPE MORE THAN 4 DEGREE OR DAMAGE TO THE FLEX COUPLING MAY OCCUR. REMOVE THE THERMOSTAT AND THE COOLANT INLET PIPE FROM THE WATER PUMP HOUSING AND SEPARATE THE ASSEMBLY FROM THE ENGINE. LOWER THE VECHICLE REMOVE THE BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM HOSE FROM THE CAMSHAFT HOUSING. REMOVE THE FRONT TIMING CHAIN COVER AND THE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER FROM THE ENGINE. CAUTION THE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER MUST BE REMOVED TO UNLOAD CHAIN TENSION BEFORE REMOVING THE WATER PUMP FROM THE HOUSING OTHERWISE THE WATER PUMP WILL BECOME JAMMED IN THE TIMING CHAIN HOUSING. REMOVE THE HEATER OUTLET PIPE FROM THE WATER PUMP COVER. REMOVE THE WATER PUMP COVER BOLTS FROM THE ENGINE BLOCK AND THE WATER PUMP. REMOVE WATER PUMP RETAINING NUTS AND SEPARATE THE WATER PUMP FROM THE TIMING CHAIN HOUSING. CLEAN THE SEALING SURFACES OF ALL GASKET MATERIAL ON THE WATER PUMP, WATER PUMP COVER AND THE TIMING CHAIN HOUSING. WIPE THE MATING SURFACES WITH A RAG SATURATED LACQUER THINNER OR ACETONE. YOU CAN BUY THESE CHEMICAL AT LOWES OR WALMART DEPARTMENT WHERE THEY SELL PAINTS. FIRST INSTALL THE WATER PUMP COVER AND GASKET TO THE WATER PUMP ON THE BENCH BUT LEAVE THE BOLTS FINGER TIGHT. APPLY A THIN LAYER OF RTV SEALANT TO BOTH SIDES OF THE NEW GASKET AND INSTALL THE GASKET ON THE WATER PUMP. WAIT FOR RTV SEALANT SET UP DRY FIRST. POSITION WATER PUMP AND WATER PUMP COVER ASSEMBLY INTO TIMING CHAIN HOUSING ENGAGING THE WATER PUMP SPROCKET IN THE TIMING CHAIN, AND INSTALL THE NUTS FINGER TIGHT. USE CAUTION TO ENSURE THAT THE GASKET DOESNT SLIP OUT OF POSITION. LEAVE THE NUTS LOOSE TO ALLOW REPOSITIONING WHEN THE BLOCK BOLTS ARE INSTALLED IN THE NEXT STEP. INSTALL THE WATER PUMP COVER TO ENGINE BLOCK BOLTS AND TIGHTEN THEM BY HAND. LUBRICATE THE O - RING ON THE HEATER OUTLET PIPE WITH COOLANT AND INSTALL IT INTO THE WATER PUMP COVER. HAND TIGHTEN THE BOLTS. NOW THAT THE ENTIRE WATER PUMP HOUSING ASSEMBLY IS INSTALLED AND IS FITTED AGAINST THE ENGINE BLOCK. TIGHTEN BOLTS CRISS CROSS SEQUENCE TO INSURE PROPER SEAL TORQUE WATER PUMP TO TIMING CHAIN HOUSING NUTS TO 19 FT LBS .NOW TORQUE WATER PUMP COVER TO WATER PUMP HOUSING BOLTS TO 124 INCH POUNDS. TORQUE WATER PUMP COVER TO ENGINE BLOCK BOLTS 19 FT LBS. TORQUE 124 INCH POUNDS THE RADIATOR OUTLET PIPE TO WATER PUMP HOUSING. INSTALL THE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER AND COVER. INSTALL THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. INSTALL THE EXHAUST PIPE TO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. WHEN ALL IS DONE. START POURING COOLANT IN THE RADIATOR OR COOLANT OVER FLOW JUG.CHECK FOR LEAKS. IF IS GOOD KEEP ADDING COOLANT TO RADIATOR OR OVER FLOW RESERVOIR UNTIL COOLANT LEVEL STOP DROPPING. NOW START ENGINE. WATCH THE COOLANT LEVEL WHEN START DROPPING ADD MORE COOLANT IN RADIATOR OR OVERFLOW JUG. WHEN COOLANT STOP DROPPING INSTALL RADIATOR CAP OR OVERFLOW JUG CAP. LET ENGINE IDLE UNTIL THERMOSTAT OPENS WATCH TEMPERATURE GAUGE WHEN TEMPERATURE GAUGE RISING TO OVERHEATING. TURN OFF ENGINE WAIT A WHILE TAKE A LARGE RAG SLOWLY OPEN RADIATOR CAP A LITTLE TO RELEASE PRESSURE. WHEN PRESSURE RELEASE REMOVE RADIATOR CAP ADD MORE COOLANT. START ENGINE LET IDLE WATCH TEMP GAUGE. TEMP GAUGE START RISING AGAIN TURN OFF ENGINE LET IT SET A WHILE ADD MORE COOLANT. TO RADIATOR. WHEN ENGINE TEMPERATURE GAUGE STOP RISING AND THERMOSTAT OPENS YOUR COOLANT SYSTEM AIR IS BLED OUT. JUST LET VECHICLE SET A LITTLE CHECK COOLANT LEVEL MAKE ITS CORRECT BEFORE START DRIVING VECHICLE. IF YOU TAKE VECHICLE FOR TEST SPIN TAKE LARGE RAG AND PLENTY COOLANT WITH YOU.IF ENGINE START OVERHEATING WHILE DRIVING PULL OFF ROAD SAFELY WAIT 20 TO 30 MINUTES. USE LARGE RAG SLOWLY OPEN CAP A LITTLE RELEASE PRESSURE. THEN REMOVE RADIATOR CAP ADD MORE COOLANT IF NEEDED. HOPE THIS HELP.

1IF THIS IS A ALERO 4 MAJOR UNDERTAKEING TAKE IT TO THE SHOP IF NOT HOPEFULLY THIS WILL HELP.

Remove the negative battery cable. Using a screwdriver, loosen the screw that connects the negative battery cable to the battery post. Pull the cable away from the post.

2

Lift th car using a jack. Support the Oldsmobile Alero with jack stands and the engine using a lift or some other engine support device.

3

Drain the Oldsmobile Alero's colling system by opening the cap on top of the radiator and unplugging the drain plug underneath the radiator. Position a large container under the drain hole to catch the draining coolant.

4

Disconnect the components that lead to the water pump with an adjustable wrench Lay them out in the order removed. In order, these parts include the automatic transaxle (if equipped), front wheel on the right side, splash shield, water pump sprocket and the access plate to the timing cover.

5

Use the access plate bolts to secure the water pump sprocket holding tool to the engine cover. Remove the pump bolts, front cover, thermostat housing, water pump feed pipe and two engine bolts using the adjustable wrench. Lift off the water pump.

6

Remove the bolts that secure the water pump to the block. Take off or scrape away the gasket. Remove and discard the o-ring between the water pump inlet pipe and the pump.

Install a New Water Pump

1

Spread a small amount of sealant on the water pump, on the areas where it mounts to the engine. Place the gasket on the sealant. Position the water pump onto the engine.

2

Insert the new bolts into the water pump. Torque the bolts to 89 inch pounds torque. Reconnect the other components in the order removed using an adjustable wrench.

3

Re-insert the drain plug into the radiator. Remove the engine support and jack stands. Lower the Olsmobile Alero to the floor.

4

Refill the radiator with coolant according to the instructions in your owner's manual. Screw on the radiator cap. Attach the negative battery cable to the post. Close the hood and test the car.

SOUND LIKE ENGINE COOLANT FANS NOT RUNNING.CHECK TO SEE IF COOLANT FANS RUNNING WHEN ENGINE START OVERHEATING.IF NO CHECK COOLANT FANS FUSE AND RELAYS.IF ALL IS GOOD.HOTWIRE COOLANT FANS TO MAKE SURE THEY ARE WORKING.IF NO REPLACE FAN MOTOR.IF FAN RUN WHEN YOU HOT WIRE IT.THE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR FAULTY ARE THE PCM FAULTY YOU CAN USE A SCANNER TO CHECK THEM FOR FAULT CODE.IF EVERYTHING GOOD SO FAR.REPLACE THERMOSTAT AND RADIATOR PRESSURE CAP FLUSH ENGINE BLOCK AND RADIATOR.CHECK RADIATOR AND CONDENSOR AIR CORES MAKE THEY NOT STOPPED UP WITH LEAVES AND OTHER DEBRIS THAT WILL BLOCK OFF AIR FLOW THROUGH THE FRONT GRILLE RADIATOR CORES.ALSO CHECK WATER PUMP WEEP HOLE IF ITS LEAKING WATER PUMP NEEDS REPLACING.

The coolant can be drained through the little drain valve on the bottom of the radiator it looks like a small tap, or a tab located on the lower right side of the rad if you are facing the front of the car ..You some times have to remove the plastic shroud from under the rad to sometimes see it also this will keep the antifreeze from making too much of a mess...NOTE... its safer to do this when engine is cold..Cooling systems are under pressure when hot..up to 15 psi.. hope you find it.

The easiest way to drain coolant from engine is to remove lower radiator hose from water pump and let it run out. There are no drains on the engine.

If no drain, use hoses. Then finish draining after radiator removal. First check underneath bottom of vehicle.

look for the radiator find the lowest hose and take it off (when cold ) let it drain and refill through the expansion tank should b roughly 3-5 liters needed
http://www.devicemanuals.com/guide/Automobile/Oldsmobile/Oldsmobile-Alero-Owner%27s-Manual-2003-==TVRFd016QTI=.html
this link should let you download the manual for it . enjoy