Draining engine coolant

philminotti · #1 (**permalink**) 03-02-2010, 07:57 AM

I have to pull my intake and heads. Does anyone have suggestions about draining coolant? Obviously I'll drain the radiator...should the block be drained next and then pull the water pump? I remember somebody saying something about using a shop vac to blow the coolant through the heads so that the oil stays (relatively) uncontaminated. Would you blow through the thermostat opening in the intake?

I guess I need to know how to blow an FE.

phil

Z-linkCobra · #2 (**permalink**) 03-02-2010, 08:25 AM

It doesnt really matter what you do...you should be prepared to change the oil. If you drain the radiator and the block I dont really see any reason to pull the water pump if you dont have to. Even though you drain the block and heads....when you pull the intake and heads you will get some coolant into the oil...no way around it really. Get it as dry as you can and when your done...change the oil. Oil is lighter than water...so any water you get in the pan will go straight to the bottom and come out first when you drain the oil.

FUNFER2 · #3 (**permalink**) 03-02-2010, 08:26 AM

"Blow a FE" .......

Anyway you do it, it's always a mess. Do all that you mentioned.

bobcowan · #4 (**permalink**) 03-02-2010, 02:31 PM

There are drain holes in the water jacket of the block. Pull out the pipe plugs, and expect to make a mess on the floor.

MaSnaka · #5 (**permalink**) 03-02-2010, 04:15 PM

Phil,
I used the shop vac. Blew the water out the petcock on the radiator by blowing air into the thermostat opening. Don't forget to stuff a rag into your upper radiator hose or you'll be reminded in a hurry. That clears the intake water passages pretty well so when you pull it there is no water dripping all over. But you will still need to drain the heads and I just used the shop vac to suck the water out as best as I could. Really helps to keep the mess to a minimum. I know...blow, suck...insert punchline here. Good luck.

John