Coolant: Service and Repair

COOLANT

Draining

WARNING: Do not remove the expansion tank filler cap when the engine is hot because the cooling system is pressurized and personal scalding could result.

Expansion Tank & Cap:

1. Remove the expansion tank filler cap by first turning it counter clockwise a quarter of a turn to allow pressure to escape, then turn it further in the same direction and lift off.

Radiator Filler Plug:

2. Remove the radiator filler plug and washer to assist drainage.

Lower Radiator Hose:

3. Disconnect the radiator bottom hose and allow the coolant to drain into a suitable container. Use a clean container if the coolant solution is to be re-used. Re-conned the bottom hose after draining and tighten the hose clamp.

Engine Block Drain Plugs:

4. Remove the engine drain plugs, one each side of the cylinder block, beneath the exhaust manifolds. Allow the coolant to drain and refit the plugs.

See the following coolant requirements before refilling the system.

Coolant Requirements

Frost Precautions And Engine Protection
The engine cooling system MUST ALWAYS be filled and topped-up with a solution of water and anti-freeze, winter and summer. NEVER use water alone as this may corrode the aluminium alloy.

CAUTION: Do not use salt water otherwise corrosion will occur. In certain territories where the only available natural water supply has some salt content use only rain or distilled water.

Recommended Solutions
Anti-freeze: Universal anti-freeze or permanent type ethylene base, without methanol, containing a suitable inhibitor for aluminium engines and engine parts.

Use one part of anti-freeze to one part of water.

Anti-freeze can remain in the cooling system and will provide adequate protection for two years provided that the specific gravity of the coolant is checked before the onset of the second winter and topped-up with new anti-freeze as required.

Vehicles leaving the factory have the cooling system filled with 50% anti-freeze and 50% water mixture. This gives protection against frost down to minus 36°C (minus 33° F). Vehicles so filled can be identified by a label affixed to the radiator.

After the second winter the system should be drained and thoroughly flushed. Before adding new anti-freeze examine all joints and replace defective hoses to make sure that the system is leakproof.

Refilling
5. Pour 4.5 litre (1 gal) of water into the radiator.
6. Add the recommended quantity of anti-freeze.
7. Top-up the radiator with water, refit the radiator filler plug and washer and tighten.

Water Level Plate:

8. Add water to the expansion tank, up to the WATER LEVEL plate.

NOTE: The water level plate on later models has been deleted from the expansion tank, therefore the coolant should be filled to the top of the sensor float which is approximately 1.00 inch (25 mm) below the filler neck

9. Fit the expansion tank filler cap.
10. Run the engine until normal operating temperature is attained, that is, thermostat open.
11. Allow the engine to cool, then check the coolant level and top-up if necessary.