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Cooling system flush question part 2

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John_Mc

John_Mc

Jedi Knight
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The manuals indicate opening the stop cocks on the right rear of the block and the base of the radiator to drain. The diagram of the right rear engine block is unclear. I see a big hex bolt right above the starter solenoid. Is this it? If so, what happens to all the fluid when I open it?? Any other insights into this job appreciated.
TIA
 
Yes, that "big hex bolt" -- should be brass and with a fiber washer on it -- is what you're looking for (cheaper, undoubtedly, than a drain cock, and often found on later cars). When you remove it, the fluid goes everywhere, and there's not a lot you can do about that beyond cleaning up afterwards. But it's that block drain where you really NEED to make sure water gushes out...NOT trickles out, and NOT even steadily flowing. Probe with a stiff wire or small screwdriver until you get the gushing, and keep clean water flowing while you do this.
 
Wouldn't hurt to remove your starter at this point. Not a great idea to fill it with coolant. Or, cover it real well with water-proof wrap or something.


Bill
 
[ QUOTE ]
Wouldn't hurt to remove your starter at this point. Not a great idea to fill it with coolant. Or, cover it real well with water-proof wrap or something.


[/ QUOTE ]

Good point, Bill!

It might also be possible to tape some plastic sheeting on the block, just below the drain, to help direct the outflow into a bucket or whatever. If it's really gushing out, a similar plastic piece might be taped on engine compartment wall facing the engine, to direct the flow and keep it from getting everywhere.

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