I'm half way along replacing a shot radiator. The coolant system is due for a flush too, but now that I'm not flushing it through and out the radiator. I'm getting nervous about where I should put a hose because of the opti. Can I flush the system without the rad? I guess I could wait until I reinstall the new radiator, but I feels like such a shame to flush an old system through a brand new rad.

Thanks so much

EDIT: I wasn't clear. The shot radiator is already disconnected and removed from the car. My concern is can I still effectively flush the entire system (except the radiator) without a radiator installed? I don't want to expose the brand new radiator to any unnecessary contaminants if I don't have to.

 

If you have not already take the plug off the bottom of the radiator and drain it, after this place some rags over the distributor and other electronics just in case, loosen the bleed screws on the bleeder hose, after the coolant has stopped draining from the radiator then remove the water jacket plugs and the knock sensor and let the rest of the coolant drain out, then you should remove the radiator, then reinstall everything plugs and sensor once drained checking all hoses and clamps for tightness, once you fill the system up with the bleeder screws still untightened making sure that you have all the air out of the coolant system sometimes its best ot put it on ramps to make sure that you get all the air out because even the smallest amount of air will cause your car to run warmer. Once the bubble quit comming out of the blleder screw and its straight water and anti freeze then you have all the air out. Tighten them up and wait a few moments and then check the fluid level. If all is good take it for a test drive. Also keep in mind that sometimes if you do not turn the ignition switch from on to run then to off the low coolant light might stay on but this has never happened to me.

 

I think the only way you can flush it with the radiator out is if you have a hand pump to force fluid through the hoses and water-jackets. If that is the case and if your radiator is out, go buy a longer radiator hose from the parts store and install it onto the water pump and just drape it down the engine bay to your pan, bypassing the trecherous opti.

 

I wasn't being clear. I edited my question above.