How to drain coolant

[mikeymancs]

Hi,

Have looked at the Wiki, but the 'Draining' section is blank and has no info...

What is the easiest method of draining the coolant system, I want to fully change with new coolant.

Thanks


ps. 1.6 TD(JX) 1988

[kit]

I might need to know this as my radiator may need flushing.

[mikeymancs]

Also wondering what coolant... I know the WBX petrol are supposed to have G12 spec coolant due to corrosion, what about diesels??

Thanks again!

[kevtherev]

radiator hose is best for me.
G12 not required for diesels

[mikeymancs]

Cheers Kev,

So would you just go with something like Halfrauds antifreeze? do I need any particular spec, or just whatever?

Thanks again Matey

[mioba]

Hi
had the same scenario a few weeks ago, not much on the wiki. A bit on the forum but on numerous threads.
Done mine a few weeks ago on a jx.
For me it was easier to undo the two coolant pipes near the back end of the spare wheel holder.
The pipes at the bottom of the rad were difficult to access due to the clips holding the pipes on and the need to get some grips in that space to access the clips.
Make sure you use distilled water when refilling in the mix.
I got the pink antifreeze g12 spec from gsf. Make sure to get your club discount.
Halfords will be expesive.
I used a 50-50 mix.
Remeber to buy enough coolant and water for the refill plus a tad extra
due to wastage from bleeding.
It took me about 3 hours-first time, but I guess I could do it again in one in the future.
You will need a big container as there is alot of coolant about 17 litres in a jx atleast.
If you have blue coolant at the moment remember it wil NOT mix with pink- so use like for like!
Hope it helps.

[mikeymancs]

Thanks Mioba,

What do you reckon....

Should I be ok to use the pink long life stuff, provided I flush the system out with lots of water to remove any remains of the older blue stuff????

[torchy]

Who's gsf ?

Thanks and Regards

Peter

Hi
had the same scenario a few weeks ago, not much on the wiki. A bit on the forum but on numerous threads.
Done mine a few weeks ago on a jx.
For me it was easier to undo the two coolant pipes near the back end of the spare wheel holder.
The pipes at the bottom of the rad were difficult to access due to the clips holding the pipes on and the need to get some grips in that space to access the clips.
Make sure you use distilled water when refilling in the mix.
I got the pink antifreeze g12 spec from gsf. Make sure to get your club discount.
Halfords will be expesive.
I used a 50-50 mix.
Remeber to buy enough coolant and water for the refill plus a tad extra
due to wastage from bleeding.
It took me about 3 hours-first time, but I guess I could do it again in one in the future.
You will need a big container as there is alot of coolant about 17 litres in a jx atleast.
If you have blue coolant at the moment remember it wil NOT mix with pink- so use like for like!
Hope it helps.

[kevtherev]

German Swedish and French car parts

google GSF

[mioba]

Thanks Mioba,

What do you reckon....

Should I be ok to use the pink long life stuff, provided I flush the system out with lots of water to remove any remains of the older blue stuff????

would be very difficult to do IMHO. When blue and pink mix they form a gunk that will block passageways.
Let's see if anyone can help. Otherwise I would just use like for like and change it every 2 years

[mikeymancs]

Hello!

I need some advice.....

I am today attempting my first coolant drain myself, am seem to be having a problem.

I started by getting lots of buckets etc ready, removed header tank cap, managed to get the damn coolant hose off near the water pump and also the lower one, (Those FRIGGIN VW clip things are a right mare) and a load of water dumped out - all good so far.

I then re-attached hoses and started to fill up again and followed the wicki. BUT i am really struggling to get more than 6 litres off coolant mix in!!!!

I have bled the rad as per wicki and no more air is coming out (when hot) coolant is coming out of the bleed screw.

I have have just come in for a cuppa and to calm down whilst the engine cools, What the heck have I done wrong??? doh!

Any advice guys!
From a very non-mechanical (but trying and eager)

[kevtherev]

radiator will not empty if you drain it there.
remove the rad hose to empty it completely.. it's the lowest point

there's 10 or more litres left in if you just drain the engine...

[mikeymancs]

Thanks Kev!

DOH! "L" plates back on!!

WIll go back and have another go!!! will let it cool down first me thinks!

[mikeymancs]

Yet another stupid question for you!

Can someone please clairfy something; the coolant which is held in the tank inside the engine bay, is this constantly being replenised, i.e. water pump takes it from this tank, into the engine to help assit to cool, then the now hot fluid goes to the raditator at front where air cools it, it then is returned to the tank in the engine and the whole thing starts again?

So basically there are circa 16litres of coolant fluid constantly circulating, it does't 'sit' still.???

[chuckle-bus-tom]

The coolant is one continuous flow, i.e. there should be no air pockets or bubbles in it. Like a snake eating its tail and not like a hamster in a run. While your engine is running its moving constantly and being cooled by the air flowing over the radiator. While your van is sat (engine off) the coolant stays where it is. This is where the antifreeze component comes in to prevent it freezing and therefore instantly carking your engine in winter startups. Its also I believe where the corrosion occurs if your using non G12 (WBX) and gunk and separation if you mix your blue and pink.