Coolant Change. help.

[A5DSR]

I need help in locating the crankcase drain plug?
I've removed the radiator bottom hose and only got about 3 litres of coolant out.
There's about another 5 litres hiding somewhere....
Looking in the workshop manual , it seems to be at the rear LHS of the block, (looking from the front of the car).but I can't see it.
Is it accessable without jacking or removing parts?

Thanks
Daz. (89 2.7)

 

[sawood12]

The plug is in a really awkward place, it's on the right hand side of the engine block just beneath (and probably slightly behind - difficult to tell cause you can only see it from an angle) where the exhause manifold converges into one pipe. It's a small unassuming bolt head probably about 12mm. I've only managed to get a look at it by getting under the car and looking up from behind the front wheel.

 

[Guest]

sounds like you've got the car jacked up at the front, and the water from the rad is drained, but not from the engine. Just lower the front again.......

 

[jr2015]

Hi Daz.
I think you`ll cure this if the car is level; I`ve never had a problem draining the system from the front using the rad drain plug and the bottom hose.It`s the refilling and elimination of air from the system that I find tedious.
best of luck,
jr.

 

[A5DSR]

Car was on the level but still didn't drain completley.
Still can't get to the drain plug, so I removed the pipe off the water pump, this did the trick.

Gearbox oil & coolant changes done.
Brake fluid change next.

Thanks.
Daz.

 

[jr2015]

Hi Dax,
Glad you got the cooling system sorted, The water pump hose was what I was referring to when I said bottom hose, sorry for the confusion.
As far as brakes are concerned , I`d recommend a pressure bleeding kit (mine was made by Gunsons) where you attach an inflated tyre to the bleeding kit to push the fluid through, it means you can work without assistance and do a thorough job of expelling all the old fluid.
best of luck,
jr.