Engine block drain plugs

[selfconfessedlunatic]

Hi, in the process of renewing various parts on our Stag and heard a comment that even removing the radiator hoses doesn't completely drain the coolant?
The only way is to remove the engine block drain plugs?

A bit blonde ( no offence intended) but is this right?

Any advice or tips on tackling this?

Cheers Andy

[38rover]

Just done mine so fresh in memory
Tackle both from underneath raise car as high as possible support on axle stands
LH side just forward of the starter motor use a long socket (15"to18" bar easy to see
RH side look between power steering curved pipes this one is at a different angle so long bar no use, use a socket ratchet or ring spanner
I was lucky mine came out without a problem when putting back fibre washer needed also copper slip on the threads the plug is brass so care not to round off the heads,
If all goes well 10 mins both off
Good luck

[elvimto]

Hi Andy,
these little jewels are a pain to get to I found the best way was to have the car up on blocks or axle stands and get to them from underneath. I did mine when I had the manifolds and heads of so now they open easy. You might have to use a small pair of channel locks water pump pliers or the like to start them moving its best to remove them if you going for a good clean out buy some Band Aids for knuckles.

cheeers Stuart

[GDPR]

Be prepared for very wet armpits

[jleyton]

Not the best of pics but this may help you find them. This is RH side (circled), left hand is in a similar position. Several components have been removed, just for the photo

Cheers

Julian

DSCN1412.jpg

[selfconfessedlunatic]

Wow they look and sound to be a reyt pain!!!!!!

[NickA]

Not that bad; you can get at them from underneight with socket on a longer socket extension without removing anything, just be careful on the starter motor side if the batteries still connected! If they've not been removed for a while once out you'll need to poke about in the hole with a coat hanger to free the sludge and as Kryten says you'll get wet arms

[martin]

No, not really a pain, you will get a bit wet, but not a real prob. Use a three eighths drive socket with extension and a UJ for the drivers side, and a bent coat hanger to rummage round in the holes if nothing comes out. Martin.

Oops - late again !

[Firept]

Julian.
The lengths you go to just to help people out fancy taking all that lot off just for a photo.
This forum is just great.
Paul.

[jleyton]

Julian.
The lengths you go to just to help people out fancy taking all that lot off just for a photo.
This forum is just great.
Paul.

Well, you've gotta try and be helpful haven't you

Cheers

Julian

[badenstag]

Hi,

I wonder whether it makes sense to keep a certain order draining the coolant to get the best result, such as:
1. bottom hose
2. filler plug and pressure bottle cap
3. engine drain plug on driver side
4. engine drain plug on passenger side


Gerd

[GDPR]

No Gerd. Just remove the bungs - drained is drained. If you want you could stick a hosepipe on a heater hose to flush a bit more out...