draining coolant from block? really needed for W.pump change?

[NSDCA]

ok so i was just wondering if i really need to drain the coolant from the block when i change my water pump? will draining the radiator be enough? if i have to, what would be the cleanest way to catch the coolant from the block? it looks pretty tight in that area and i dont want the coolant getting everywhere. ive searched and got mixed answers about draining the block. so could anyone clear things up for me? perhaps i could save some time and mess while doing this?

[NemeGuero]

The drain plug is behind the exhaust mani.. underneath.

Just drain it. Do it right once.

[NSDCA]

yeah i know where the drain plug is...... you didnt answer any of my questions though.......... and if i was to drain the coolant how would i go about catching it? i dont want it getting everywhere and theres not much space in that area.

[NemeGuero]

Yah, I said it'd be best to drain it. You can catch it in a funnel.. or a well placed bucket.

[Al_S14]

Originally Posted by NSDCA

yeah i know where the drain plug is...... you didnt answer any of my questions though.......... and if i was to drain the coolant how would i go about catching it? i dont want it getting everywhere and theres not much space in that area.

only thing you can do is get a large pan and put it under the oil pan to catch it. otherwise just drain it from the radiator drive around for a while then drain it again. this way you will get most old fluid out. and make sure not to forget to bleed it.

[Chrischeezer]

i just pulled the old one off.. cleaned all teh gasket maker up.. and put the new one back on...never drained a thing (little messy).. but i did check for air bubbles in the system

[andrewmp6]

the answer is no but you might make a mess if you atleast down drain the radaitor

[kuramaya]

Here are some pointers and an asnwer if you do not want to drain the block:

1. Always use only Distilled Water when Mixing your cooland solution. Not Mineral Water, Not Tap Water, Distilled Water. They sell it at every Grocery Store in the water Isle.

2. Depending on your climate you have to at least run some coolant. Not just for the cooling, but for the lubrication and protection of your entire coolant system.

3. For moderate climate, and to keep the best cooling effect, 70-80 Degrees daytime like here in Okinawa, I run 30 Percent Coolant and 70 Percent Distilled Water.
***if you have redline water wetter or royal purple "purple Ice" run that as well, 4 capfulls per Quart of Solution mixed.
---For hot Climate over 80, I run 15 Percent Coolant in the summer...

Now to answer your question, another wat to ensure your system is flushed without draining the block, is to drain everything..pour in a gallon of just distilled water, run the car for 5 minutes and Drain. Repeat 3 times for 3 Gallons, or 3 dollars worth of distilled water...

Then follow my instructions above and make your mixture and fill...then drive the car for 20 minutes and get it up to operating temps..let it cool down and check you levels in the radiator and the overflow..
late
Daryl

[Chrischeezer]

those are some really good points...
I'm just going to add because I'm feeling smart at the moment (this doesn't happen often)
-Coolant acts as a lubricant and is used to prevent corrosion that normal water would cause... But the problem is... coolant doesn't cool as well as water, BUT water alone not only doesn't lubricate, it develops hot spots in the block caused by vapor and will corrode quickly. so a perfect mixture should be made in accordance to the climate. Redlines water wetter, and other coolant additives let u use more water in ur coolant mixture with out risking poor lubrication, corrosion or hot spots, their for your motor will be cooler. using Distilled water will decrease the chance of contamination since the water doesn't contain its natural minerals.

[kuramaya]

Originally Posted by Chrischeezer

those are some really good points...
I'm just going to add because I'm feeling smart at the moment (this doesn't happen often)
-Coolant acts as a lubricant and is used to prevent corrosion that normal water would cause... But the problem is... coolant doesn't cool as well as water, BUT water alone not only doesn't lubricate, it develops hot spots in the block caused by vapor and will corrode quickly. so a perfect mixture should be made in accordance to the climate. Redlines water wetter, and other coolant additives let u use more water in ur coolant mixture with out risking poor lubrication, corrosion or hot spots, their for your motor will be cooler. using Distilled water will decrease the chance of contamination since the water doesn't contain its natural minerals.

Nice Caveat on my post

[96twofourty]

yes you should drain it. It makes it more difficult for the rtv to dry when there it coolant behind it getting it wet