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.

NOTE: The expansion tank is fitted with a screwed filler cap which incorporates a low coolant sensing unit.

Expansion Tank:

1. Remove the expansion tank filler cap by slowly turning it anti-clockwise, pause to allow pressure to escape, continue turning it in the same direction and lift off.

Radiator Filler Plug:

2. Remove the radiator filler plug and O-ring to assist drainage.

Lower Radiator Hose:

3. Disconnect the bottom hose at its junction with the radiator and allow the coolant to drain into a suitable container. Ensure that the container is clean if the coolant solution is to be re-used. Reconnect the bottom hose after draining and re-tighten the hose clamp.

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, refit and tighten the plugs.

NOTE: It is not possible to drain all the coolant retained in the heater system. Flush through the system, after draining, by pouring clean water into the fill tower with the bottom hose disconnected and engine drain plugs removed.

5. Pour the correct solution of water and anti-freeze into the expansion tank until the radiator is full.
6. Start the engine and run it until normal operating temperature is attained, topping up as necessary.
7. Refit the radiator filler plug and O-ring, fitting a new O-ring if required. Tighten to 5-6 Nm (45-54 in lb).
8. Fit the expansion tank filler cap.
9. Allow the engine to cool, check coolant level and top up the expansion tank until the level reaches the seam of the expansion tank.

CAUTION: The following fill procedure MUST be followed if the heater pipes mounted on top of the rocker cover have been removed for any reason.

Cooling System Fill Tower:

10. Remove the plug from the fill tower.
11. Briskly pour the correct solution of water and anti-freeze into the fill tower until the radiator is full.
12. Start the engine and run it until normal operating temperature is attained, topping up as necessary.
13. Refit the radiator filler plug and fill tower plug, fitting new O-rings if required. Tighten to 5-6 Nm (45-54 in lb).
14. Fit the expansion tank filler cap.
15. Allow the engine to cool. check coolant level in the expansion tank and top up until the level reached the seam of the expansion tank.