Coolant Flush

This procedure drains, flushes, and refills the engine cooling system on a 2017 Maserati Levante with the 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo engine, removing old coolant and replacing it with fresh Maserati OAT coolant.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Block drain plug washer × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Lower radiator hose clamp × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Maserati OAT Coolant — 10 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold (at least 2 hours after last operation)
2. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
3. Lift vehicle safely and secure on jack stands or lift
4. Remove engine undertray/splash shields to access radiator drain and lower hoses
5. Place large drain pan beneath radiator drain location
6. Have all coolant containers ready (10 quarts Maserati OAT coolant)

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove air intake components for access
   Release air box clips and remove upper air intake assembly to access the coolant expansion tank and upper cooling system components. Set aside the air box and intake tubing in a clean area.
   Torque spec

   Air Box Clips5 Nm (4 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove expansion tank cap and open bleed screw
   Slowly remove the expansion tank cap by turning counterclockwise. Locate the cooling system bleed screw on top of the engine cooling system (typically near thermostat housing or on upper coolant pipe). Loosen the bleed screw 2-3 turns to allow air to escape during draining.
   Torque spec

   Bleed Screw7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Drain radiator via petcock
   Locate the radiator drain petcock at the bottom driver's side of the radiator. Position drain pan directly beneath. Open the drain petcock by turning counterclockwise and allow coolant to drain completely. This will take 5-10 minutes for complete drainage.
   ⚠Coolant may drain rapidly once petcock is opened. Ensure drain pan is properly positioned and has adequate capacity.
   Torque spec

   Drain Petcock5 Nm (4 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Drain engine block if equipped
   Check for a block drain plug on the driver's side of the engine block (not all variants have this). If present, remove the block drain plug using appropriate socket and allow remaining coolant to drain from engine block. Note the copper washer on the plug and replace with new washer upon reinstallation.
   ℹ️Block drain plug location may be difficult to access. Use proper lighting and mirrors if needed. If not equipped, skip this step.
   Torque spec

   Block Drain Plug25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove lower radiator hose for complete drainage
   Locate the lower radiator hose connection at the radiator. Use pliers to slide the hose clamp back away from the connection point. Carefully twist and pull the lower hose from the radiator outlet to ensure all coolant is drained. Allow 3-5 minutes for complete drainage.
   Torque spec

   Coolant Hose Clamps4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Inspect cooling system components
   With the system drained, visually inspect all accessible hoses, clamps, and connections for deterioration, cracks, or leaks. Check radiator fins for damage and blockage. Inspect water pump area for any signs of coolant seepage. Replace any suspect components before refilling.
   ℹ️This is the ideal time to replace aging coolant hoses or upgrade clamps if needed.
7. 7

   Reinstall lower radiator hose and drain plugs
   Reconnect the lower radiator hose to the radiator outlet, ensuring it is fully seated. Position a new hose clamp and tighten to specification. If block drain plug was removed, install with new copper washer and torque to specification. Close radiator drain petcock and torque to specification (hand tight plus specified torque).
   Torque spec

   Coolant Hose Clamps4 Nm (3 lb-ft)

   Block Drain Plug25 Nm (18 lb-ft)

   Drain Petcock5 Nm (4 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Begin coolant refill process
   Using a coolant funnel attached to the expansion tank opening, slowly pour Maserati OAT coolant into the system. Pour slowly to minimize air bubble formation. Fill until coolant begins to flow from the bleed screw opening. Keep the bleed screw open during this entire filling process.
   ℹ️If using a vacuum fill tool, follow tool manufacturer's instructions to evacuate air from the system before filling. This method produces superior results.
9. 9

   Close bleed screw and continue filling
   When coolant flows steadily from the bleed screw without air bubbles, close and torque the bleed screw to specification. Continue filling the expansion tank to the COLD MAX line marked on the tank. Do not overfill.
   Torque spec

   Bleed Screw7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Burp the cooling system
    With the expansion tank cap still off, start the engine and allow it to idle. Observe coolant level in expansion tank and add coolant as level drops during warm-up. Gently squeeze upper radiator hose several times to help purge air pockets. Run engine until cooling fans cycle on, indicating thermostat has opened and full circulation is achieved.
    ⚠Monitor engine temperature closely during this process. If temperature exceeds normal range, shut off engine immediately and investigate for air pockets or cooling system issues.
    ⚠Keep hands clear of cooling fans which may activate unexpectedly.
11. 11

    Final fill and cap installation
    After engine reaches full operating temperature and fans have cycled, shut off engine and allow to cool for 10 minutes. Recheck coolant level in expansion tank and top off to COLD MAX line if needed. Install expansion tank cap and turn clockwise until it clicks into place.
    Torque spec

    Radiator Cap1 Nm (1 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall air intake and check for leaks
    Reinstall the air intake assembly and secure all air box clips to specification. Start engine and allow to warm up while carefully inspecting all coolant connections, hoses, drain petcock, and block drain plug (if equipped) for any signs of leakage. Check underneath vehicle for drips.
    Torque spec

    Air Box Clips5 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall engine undertray and splash shields with proper fasteners
2. Wipe down any coolant spills from engine bay and chassis components
3. Lower vehicle from lift or jack stands
4. Dispose of old coolant according to local environmental regulations

Verification

• Check expansion tank coolant level after engine has fully cooled - should be at COLD MAX line
• Start engine and verify temperature gauge reads normal operating range (approximately 195-220°F)
• Verify cooling fans activate at appropriate temperature
• Check for any visible coolant leaks around all connections and drain points
• Test heater operation by running HVAC system on hot setting - should produce hot air promptly
• After 24 hours of driving, recheck coolant level in expansion tank when cold and top off if necessary
• Monitor coolant level over the next week - excessive loss indicates a leak or air pocket issue

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