Cooling System Preventative Maintenance

[Robert Crain]

I have a 2003 V8 LS with 150k on the odometer. My goal is to keep this car going to 250k. So far(regarding the cooling system), I replaced the thermostat housing manifold and the degas bottle. Both failed catastrophically leaving me stranded on the side of the road. I understand that some other cooling system components are prone to failure as well. Which ones do you suggest I replace as a preventative measure to keep me from being stranded again? Visually, everything looks ok but I know that means nothing. That failed degas bottle was particularly irritating to me. Thanks all!!

 

[joegr]

All of them. Search for and read the related threads on here for why. Once one goes, the rest are not far behind.

Here's a good list of parts.
GenII LS8 Cooling System Overhaul
Another one.
REPLACE YOUR COOLING SYSTEM - 2004 Fun and Easy Steps

I would add that the water pump seems to be good for over 200K miles, so you may skip that. On the other hand, at this age the radiators are starting to fail too. You might want to add the radiator to your replacement list. I've had to replace them on both of mine (both are at about 200K to 230K miles now).