Radiator replacement...to flush or not to flush?

If the drain cock on the block is opened, and rust is seen in the coolant, then a coolant flush should be performed to remove the rust.

Otherwise, it’s not required.

Coolant flushes are performed as maintenance service indicated in the owners manual.

It’s easier/faster to hook a machine between the upper radiator hose and radiator to replace the coolant, and replace all the coolant than it is to raise the vehicle to maybe get the drain cock on the radiator open, catch most of the coolant in a pan, close the drain cock, lower the vehicle, and refill the cooling system.

Here’s the machine I use.

Tester