How to remove ALL the coolant?

[AviP]

I've had to remove the radiator for repair purposes and came across a small problem. How to remove the coolant that's on the engine side of the hoses? The radiator side went fine and is already out of the car. According to the service manual, I've got to open the plug behind the exhaust manifold. There is no picture in the service manual and I don't want to open something I should not. Suggestions?

-Avi
'97 coupe

 

[Snake Bitten]

There are two drain plugs in the block...I "necked down" a 3/8" extension to the correct size...As you are looking at the bottom of the block they are directly across from each other, under the headers...be sure to install some thread tape before you put them back in...you'll be surprised how much is still in the block!

 

[Ron]

<FONT face="Comic Sans MS">The plugs are small female square sockets with the passenger side one directly above the crank sensor heat shield. Driver side same relative location. It's a plumbing sized fitting, so you either need to find the correct socket or make your own (like I did) by grinding down a short socket extention.</FONT f>

 

[ACR Joe]

I tried to remove the coolant drain plugs from the block, but found them to be excessively tight and decided to leave well enough alone. I'll repeat the radiator drain procedure within a few months which I'm sure will be more than sufficient. Just imagine damaging the block trying to drain coolant. No thanks!

 

[red98GTS]

And imagine wiping out the entire radiator down by the "drain" plug trying to get that baby out with a wrench. Forget it. My Viper tech said he has seen many people twist a hole in that part of the radiator cranking down on a drain plug wrench and twisting a gaping hole in the bottom. Just pull the lower hose if that plug is ridiculously tight and be done with it. pete the xgg

 

[GTS Dean]

Many times, it helps to *tighten* the plug _slightly_ before attempting to loosen it. Moderately load the plug with torque in each direction, then bump the wrench handle with the palm of your hand. A couple of times should do it.

If you are in too much of a hurry, you stand the chance of stripping the flats on the plug, the wrench, or ripping the boss out of the radiator tank. Just be patient.

 

[red98GTS]

Right, Dean. Although I tried that technique with no luck and quickly gave up after realizing it was much safer and less risk just to pull the hose off and be done with it. I just don't want anybody that hasn't done it yet to ruin what must be an expensive radiator. pete the X