What's the best method for draining ALL the radiator water?

NMX516 · Postby **NMX516** » Fri Feb 15, 2008 2:32 pm

Hi folks,

As the heading suggests, I am replacing my radiator tomorrow, and am wondering if anyone has any good tips for getting as much as possible, if not all of the old coolant out of the cooling system. I'm talking out of the block and heater core and pipes as well.

Thanks in advance.

Cheers

JBT · Postby **JBT** » Fri Feb 15, 2008 2:41 pm

1. Remove thermostat
2. Stick water hose in lower radiator hose and bung up the gap with sponge or similar
3. Turn on tap to hose - gradually
4. Observe clean water coming out of place where thermostat used to live.
5. Remove water hose and replace thermostat
6. Replace radiator
7. Remove coolant overflow bottle, empty and wash out with clean water. (if you're as anal as me :roll:

and can't stand the complete discolouration, get a new one)

CAUTION: Don't try to remove the small heater hoses as you will probably stuff the heater inlet/oulet copper pipes. It's best to cut them off if they need to be replaced.