The GE-47716 Coolant Refill System (also referred to as the Vac-n-Fill) is an essential tool, shipped to dealers in November 2004Â (fig. 1). This tool is used when refilling a cooling system that has been drained.
In many cases, simply pouring fresh coolant into the cooling system allows a certain amount of trapped air to remain in the cooling system. Typically, thermal-cycling the engine (warm-up and cool-down) helps purge this air. But on some engines, there are remote pockets where air may be trapped. Using the Vac-n-Fill removes all air from the cooling system.
A venturi assembly in the tool uses high-pressure shop air to create a vacuum in the vacuum tank on the top of the tool. The vacuum is then applied to the cooling system. Once the vacuum is maximized (indicated by the built-in gauge), a release valve allows the vacuum to draw fresh coolant from the tool's reservoir into the system. One or two repetitions of this process will usually fill the cooling system and will purge all air.
TIP:Â For more information on operating the GE-47716 Coolant Refill System, see the GM Tool Organization DVD/Software (J-43921-G v8.0).
Vacuum Tank Cleaning Procedure
IMPORTANT:Â Do not disassemble the vacuum tank. Doing so will void the warranty. Resealing the vacuum tank in the field is very difficult and should not be attempted.
If the vacuum tank (fig. 2) on the GE-47716 becomes excessively dirty and cleaning needs to be conducted, follow this procedure:
1. Remove all hoses from the tank.
2. Open the drain valve and drain any fluid from inside the tank.
3. With drain valve still open, pour in a solution of water and mild soap.
4. Close the drain valve and agitate the tank.
5. Open the valve and drain the solution.
6. Repeat procedure with clean water to remove any remaining soap residue.
- Thanks to Russ Dobson and Kevin Willcock
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