[DeTomaso] Draining Radiator

[mikeldrew at aol.com]

(somebody, unsigned, wrote)

Sorry if this seems to easy of a question... but!

>>>No question too easy or too hard!

>What is the easiest way or the least messy way to drain the radiator?

>>>Most radiators have a drain at the bottom, on the driver's side.  
There is a lot of coolant in the system, and the car sits pretty low, 
so it can be a challenge to drain it smoothly without making a bloody 
mess.  Elevating all four corners of the car can help if only because 
you can then fit a larger catch pan underneath.

Once you're ready, open the drain.  Water will dribble out because the 
radiator cap is holding vacuum.  Once you are sure your catch pan is 
properly positioned, SLOWLY open the radiator cap and remove it, and 
the water will start flowing, although it won't be smooth because it 
will likely hit the car in various places before it finds its way down 
into the pan.

When the water stops flowing, you're not done.  There will still be a 
bunch of water trapped in various other parts of the cooling system.  
Expect to get a faceful of water when you pull the short hoses from the 
water pump and the pressure tank lines.  Be ready with buckets and 
rags, and eye protection is a good idea too.

>I'll be pulling the engine out tomorrow morning.

>>>What's the plan?

Mike
________________________________________________________________________
Check out the new AOL.  Most comprehensive set of free safety and 
security tools, free access to millions of high-quality videos from 
across the web, free AOL Mail and more.