Flushing Cooling System on Mark VIII?

F

Fife

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I am flushing the cooling system. I opened the drain on the radiator and about a gallon or so came out. I am guessing there is a block drain somewhere on the engine...has to be. I saw a bolt to the left of and slightly behind the water pump pulley. Is that the drain plug for the block? If so, can it be removed without removing the pulley? What type of wrench works best?

I think I might change the hoses and thermostat why I am at it. Any advice? Anything I need to be aware of?

Thanks for the help!
John
 
From the manual...

Coolant Replacement

NOTE:
Some coolant/water will be retained in the cylinder block if cylinder block drain plugs are not removed. When refilling cooling system after flushing, adjust coolant mix ratio to obtain a 50/50 mix. Be certain to account for approximately 51 quarts of water left in the cylinder block when drain plugs are not removed.
1. Bring engine to normal operating temperature and turn engine OFF. With cooling system under pressure, inspect cooling system hoses and clamped hose connections for leaks, excessive deterioration, or contact wear. Inspect radiator installation retention. Note any discrepancies, and proceed.

WARNING:
NEVER REMOVE COOLING SYSTEM CAP UNDER ANY CONDITIONS WHILE ENGINE IS OPERATING. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR DAMAGE TO THE COOLING SYSTEM OR ENGINE.

WARNING:
TO AVOID BURNS FROM SCALDING COOLANT OR STEAM, USE EXTREME CARE WHEN REMOVING THE PRESSURE CAP.

2. Drain coolant as follows:

a. If radiator is still hot, carefully wrap a thick cloth around the cap and rotate slowly until pressure begins to release. Step back until the pressure is released.

b. Then rotate cap until free. Remove the cap.

c. Open radiator draincock and disconnect engine coolant return hose at coolant inlet connection on oil filter adapter to drain the coolant system.

d. Flush reservoir with clean water, drain.

e. Correct/service/replace any components found to be malfunctioning in Step 1.


Cleaning


Tools Required:

l Rotunda Battery and Anti-Freeze Tester 021-00046

To remove rust, sludge and other foreign material from the cooling system, use an appropriate cooling system flush such as Premium Cooling System Flush FIAZ-19A503-A (ESR-M14P7-A) or equivalent. Removal of such material restores cooling efficiency and avoids overheating. Always remove the thermostat prior to pressure flushing. A pulsating or reversed direction flow of flushing water will loosen sediment more quickly than a steady flow in the normal direction of coolant flow. In severe cases where cleaning solvents will not properly clean the cooling system for efficient operation, it will be necessary to use the pressure flushing method. Various types of flushing equipment are available.

Coolant Refill

1. Refill engine cooling system as follows:

a. Close radiator draincock and install engine coolant return hose to inlet connection.

b. When refilling the cooling system, use equal parts of water and coolant as follows:

Coolant Specification: Use only a permanent-type coolant such as Premium Cooling System Fluid E2FZ-19549-AA (ESE-M97B44-A and ESE-M97B43-A) or equivalent.

Freeze protection may also be checked by using either a Rotunda Battery and Anti-Freeze Tester 021-00046 or equivalent, or a Hydrometer. A 50/50 mix of coolant concentrate and water will provide approximately -37°C (-35°F) protection, and provide the necessary anti-corrosion protection.

Fill cooling system as outlined in this Section.
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There is no block drain. Well, there is but you don't want to go there.

If you're going to R&R the T-stat and/or hoses,

Thermostat


Removal

1. Drain the cooling system so that the coolant level is below the thermostat.

2. Disconnect the lower radiator hose, engine return hose and bypass from the thermostat housing.

3. Remove the two thermostat housing retaining bolts. Remove the housing.

4. Remove the O-ring seal and thermostat from the thermostat housing. Inspect O-ring for damage and replace if necessary.

Installation

1. Install the thermostat, O-ring, and housing as illustrated.

2. Install and tighten alternately the two retaining bolts. Tighten bolts to 20-30 N-m (15-22 lb-ft).

3. Connect the lower hose, engine return hose and bypass hose to the thermostat housing.

4. Fill the cooling system with Premium Cooling System Fluid E2FZ-19549-AA (ESE-M97B44-A and ESE-M97B43-A) or equivalent in a 50/50 mixture with water, following coolant system -- filling procedure outlined in this Section.

5. Start the engine and check all hoses and connections for leaks. Allow the engine to warm up so that the thermostat opens and top off reservoir as required to maintain minimum cold fill level.
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Finally...

Cooling System--Filling

NOTE:
A 50/50 mixture of Premium Cooling System Fluid E2FZ-19549-AA (ESE-M97B44-A and ESE-M97B43-A) of equivalent and water is required to prevent damage to the cooling system.

1. Check all hose clamps for proper tightness. Ensure radiator draincock is closed.

2. Place heater temperature selector in maximum heat position.

3. Remove pressure cap from cooling system reservoir and fill plug from engine crossover tube.

CAUTION:
Do not fill cooling system through reservoir only. Coolant will not enter engine. Only reservoir and radiator will be filled and engine overheating will occur.

4. Add coolant into fill neck on engine crossover tube until coolant reaches top of fill neck on cooling system reservoir.

5. Reinstall cooling system pressure cap to reservoir.

6. Continue to fill cooling system at engine crossover fill neck until full.

7. Start engine, run at idle. Add coolant at engine crossover tube until full.

8. Reinstall engine crossover tube full plug.

CAUTION:
If engine temperature gauge does not move, coolant level is low in engine and must be filled. Stop engine, allow to cool and fill cooling system as outlined.

WARNING:
TO AVOID THE POSSIBILITY OF PERSONAL INJURY OR DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE, DO NOT OPERATE ENGINE WITH HOOD OPEN UNTIL FAN HAS BEEN FIRST EXAMINED FOR POSSIBLE CRACKS AND SEPARATION.

9. Run engine until thermostat opens (coolant flowing through radiator lower hose becomes hot).

10. Stop engine and add coolant to engine crossover tube fill neck until cooling system is full. Reinstall fill plug.

11. Repeat fill procedure if necessary.
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If you want to get almost all the coolant out when changing the t-stat, drian the rad at the petcock and when the housing is apart take a shop vac and go to town on both sides. I did this when I changed mine and it filled to capacity once done. I did this as well when the cross over tube was off and it was even quicker...
 
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