Engine Block Coolant Drain Plug Location
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 12,679
Likes: 329
From: Scottsdale Arizona
Engine Block Coolant Drain Plug Location
I've read about draining the block of coolant but can't find the appropriate plug. Is there one? Do you need to remove it to completely drain the block or is draining it from the rad sufficient to change the coolant?
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 26,545
Likes: 46
From: Huntersville NC
Draining only the rad is definitely NOT sufficient. More than 50% of the coolant is in the engine (I forget the exact%, but you will be surprised at how little you get out of the radiator vs the listed cooling system capacity). The block plugs can be a pain to even reach (sometimes you have to remove the starter to get at one). I believe there are 2. Then if you can get to them they can be a bigger pain to remove. I took a good look at mine and decided not to bother. I have always used a backflushing kit - you tap into the heaterhose and backflush the system which allows you to fully flush out the old coolant. Maybe not as good as draining the entire block, but good enough for me.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 12,679
Likes: 329
From: Scottsdale Arizona
Originally Posted by page62
Flushing the system is adequate, backflusing is better. The only time you really need to drain the block is when you pull the heads.
. I had the bottom hose off and that seemed to get most of it out but I could still see coolant in the block. Changed the oil afterwards just to make sure.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 769
Likes: 0
From: Ft. Lauderdale Fl
I used air. Stuck the air gun in the backflow connection and with quick shots of air I blow out the system. I also have two tinny 1/8" holes in my thermostat. You would have to remove yours. Took me awhile to get all the air pockets. Slow process. I wouldn't do it again. I'll just back flush only. That my oponion.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,738
Likes: 2
From: San diego ca
The drain plugs are located on either side of the engine just above the pan rail about midway down the length of the block. If you do remove them to drain the block - replace them with radiator petcocks - the thread is the same and it allows you to drain the block much easier in the future
