I just flushed my coolant system. I want to drain as much of the water out as possible.
Is there another way to drain the water than what's in the radiator...either through disconecting the bottom hose or using the drain plug on the radiator?

I usually don't add any water. I just use straight coolant. Any thought's, pro or con?
Thanks!

 

i usually just unhook the bottom rad hose at the rad, it's a quick and effective method :yesnod: :cheers:

 

On an LT1/4 you can pull the knock sensors and all of the coolant will drain out of the block. Not sure if this is the same on on L98. Use a 50/50 mix, not straight coolant! :cheers:

 

Do not use straight coolant. Believe it or not , straight coolant has a much higher freeze temp. than does 50/50 mix . 70/30 coolant to water is the most you should go. Also, it is a good idea to use distilled water for your mix so that you don't introduce all the minerals and other contaminants usually found in tap water into your engine which can cause corrosion.

 

:iagree:

Also, ethylene glycol is only half as efficient at heat transfer than water. An interesting article here:
http://www.caranddriver.com/article....&page_number=1

 

Thanks. Looks like I wil flush twice and cut the coolant.

 

I NEVER touch the petcock. I've screwed up too many of them on radiators with metal tanks. Besides that tiny petcock won't pass larger debris from a neglected system. I always pull the bottom hose when I want to drain my coolant. I use a Prestone reverse flush set up, available at any auto parts store, K Mart, etc. I flush, flush, and when I think I'm done, I flush some more. First, I flush it until it runs clear. Then I cap it off and fully warm it up and redo the flush. Then I repeat a couple of times. So far, I haven't seen a need to use chemicals. I used to do this every 2 -3 years. Now that my track prohibits the use of antifreeze, it gets done twice a year. Once, haphazardly, in the spring to remove the antifreeze and thoroughly in the fall to add it. Today is my day. A good flush will change all the fluid in the cooling system (be sure the heater is at max temp), but if you want the block empty, such as to add a 50/50 mix, and have it remain 50/50, pull the block drain plugs/knock sensors. I believe in the use of distilled water, but after 20 years and a new engine on the horizon, I'll stick with tap water until the engine swap. I still have my 20 year old radiator and it runs at or slightly above the thermostat opening temp on the highway. PM pays. Good luck, and...

RACE ON!!!

 

I never thought of the petcock not able to pass larger pieces of debris. I do know from experience that the petcock isn't unfailable. I had to replace a rubber gasket there once to keep it from leaking.

Soooo, flush it untill clear. Drop the water in the radiator and fill it up with coolant. This should come close to giving me the 50/50 that I'm looking for?
Thanks