Vacuuming coolant...

[DrHfuhruhurr]

The cold snap prompted us to double check the antifreeze/coolant mixture on the van and it's rather weak. Normally we would just top up with some antifreeze but we're not sure what's in there (it's green) and also sometime, sooner or later (looks like it's going to be sooner), it needs draining and some fresh stuff putting in anyway.

So i've been searching and reading various ways to change the coolant. As well as the Haynes and Bentley ways, there's an interesting method that I read about on TheSamba and that involves using a shopvac - which I think is a wet and dry vac - to vacuum the old stuff out quickly and cleanly. This happens via the expansion tank, and a rad drain plug is opened so air can be sucked in as the mixture is sucked out.

It sounds a little mad, and quite fun, and appeals as it would mean minimal crawling around on the cold concrete. However, has anyone here had any experience with that method?

[kevtherev]

not done it that way
But try putting an old carpet down on the cold concrete for your delicate bottom.


I'm sure I didn't have to get under the van to remove the rad inlet though.
Use G12+ as per instructions or a cheaper (but same version) by comma

[DrHfuhruhurr]

not done it that way
But try putting an old carpet down on the cold concrete for your delicate bottom.

I'm sure I didn't have to get under the van to remove the rad inlet though.
Use G12+ as per instructions or a cheaper (but same version) by comma

Sounds like I wont have to put my, err, delicate bottom on the line afterall.

Thanks Kevtherev!

[tencentlife]

It's commonly done, I think the technique caught on, and it works nicely but it won't get all the coolant out. Shopvac is a wet/dry vac. I have a small crevice wand and I vac out the pressure tank, then take the hose off the bottom of the pressure tank and jam the nozzle in there, fits pretty snug. Let it run, open the bolt top of the rad and it doesn't hurt to raise the front if you can. I'd say it still leaves 2-3 quarts behind, mostly in the big rad pipes. Still worthwhile, it's much neater.

[jason k]

[quote="tencentlife"]I have a small crevice wand quote]


fnnnaaarr!!!!




sorry couldnt resist!!!

[kit]

That is not something you want to brag about

[Red Westie]

Never seen this method used and can't see anything that doesn't remove all the old coolant as being worth while.
The whole reason for changing coolant is to replace the ageing, contaminated/deteriorated coolant out so any method that leaves any of the old stuff behind just isn't worth doing.
Flush out thoroughly by inserting your garden hose into several detached hoses.
Martin

[tencentlife]

I have a small crevice wand quote]


fnnnaaarr!!!!




sorry couldnt resist!!!

I had heard you guys could be a little odd.