Where to drain coolant.

[robd]

Hey guys.

I'm working on installing a block heater on my M1009, but am having trouble seeing where/how to drain the coolant (in a manor where I can recover it)

I've searched, and found a few posts on installing the heater, but no luck on seeing how to drain coolant.

Any help, especially pictures, would be most appreciated.

 

[doghead]

Scroll down this page to read threads that are similar.

 

[robd]

THanks Doghead, I did see those, but they mention the radiator petcock, but I'm having trouble finding it.

I did something that looks like it could be it on the lower part of the radiator drivers side, but could not see how to open it, or recover the fluid as the wheel well is right below it.

Any clarification would help.

 

[doghead]

Ok, the D/S of the radiator has a petcock(valve).

You'll need a large pan and it will be messy.

Or, as that first thread showed, there are plugs in the block. I would leave them alone.

One other choice is to slip the lower hose off the radiator just a bit and let that drain.

I'll look for a pic of the petcock.

 

[doghead]

Maybe this will help.

 

[robd]

Yes, looks like that's it. Thank you. No pic needed. Just have to figure out how to get the plug off.

 

[Warthog]

Use a pair of pliers and turn the valve. The winged part screws into the outer portion.

http://www.4wheelparts.com/Heating-...out&ppcfon=1&gclid=COb_jvib5rwCFURk7AodZkAArg

 

[robd]

Thanks Warthog. I got that. Just a tight space, and jammed up pretty good.

Appreciate all the help. You guys rock.

 

[Keith_J]

That is why I have a fluid extractor. For LOWERING the fluid level and recovering it, nothing beats my MityVac. Now, for completely draining it? I use a dedicated wet Shop Vac.

Petcock drains are a pain. On another vehicle that uses expensive European coolant, it really makes sense. Mostly because I have never had a cooling system malfunction so I am hooked on that type/brand of coolant.

 

[M1009 NEWBEE 2013]

I removed the lower hose when I installed my block heater, it was easier for me at least. Worked fine. One of my petcock wings was broken and I didn't want to chance it.
Make sure not to use the heater or plug it in until after 5 or 6 heat/cool cycles, when you are done, to get the air out of the system. I had to fill my coolant bottle at least 4 or 5 times within a week or so of driving. Make sure to have a bottle with you for the first week, so you can keep adding it when you shut her down. If you plug it in too soon with air still in the system, you'll have to replace the heater and start all over..

 

[jw4x4]

From experience, I can tell you that even if the radiator is completely drained, there will STILL be coolant in the engine block. Be prepared for coolant to come out when the freeze plug is removed so that the heater coil can be installed.

 

[MarcusOReallyus]

Petcocks can be tricky beasties. Sometimes they won't close properly, leaving you in a pickle. On older vehicles, I leave them alone. Radiator hose works.

 

[tgtaylor64]

Replace your petcock valve with a new one when you are done. Ten bucks well spent.

 

[av8rnik]

I removed the lower hose when I installed my block heater, it was easier for me at least. Worked fine. One of my petcock wings was broken and I didn't want to chance it.
Make sure not to use the heater or plug it in until after 5 or 6 heat/cool cycles, when you are done, to get the air out of the system. I had to fill my coolant bottle at least 4 or 5 times within a week or so of driving. Make sure to have a bottle with you for the first week, so you can keep adding it when you shut her down. If you plug it in too soon with air still in the system, you'll have to replace the heater and start all over..

so the bottle you keep handy to top off the coolant reservoir, is it a 50/50 mix or just water?

Also, so when you go to refill the system, you put the mixture into the reservoir next to the radiator right? I realize this might be a stupid question but this is the first time i am doing it. Also, you use distilled water right?

 

[Warthog]

Distiller water and a 50/50 mix.

 

[av8rnik]

in the spare bottle to use to top off as well?

 

[doghead]

Yes

 

[av8rnik]

okay thanks! And to refill the system, the mix goes into the reservoir next to the radiator or into the where the radiator caps is? Also, i assume it is best to premix? Do you just use a clean container to mix it in?

*Disregard my question about where to add the mix, look at the LO and it answered my question...use the recovery tank.*

 

[Keith_J]

Radiator is filled to the top when cold. When the engine is warm, the coolant will expand, draining into the recovery tank. When the engine cools, the coolant in the recovery tank is sucked back into the radiator. This constant purging keeps the coolant free of oxygen, preventing corrosion and deterioration of the coolant.

 

[cucvrus]

What the heck. Just get up under there with the long punch and tap the freeze out plug out. Grab it with vise grips and pull it out. Works every time. We don't need no stinkin petcocks. Silly mechanics Petcocks are for Chicks.