i am planning to put in a new thermostat.the book i have says to drain some coolant at the drain valve.do i have to or can i just take the hose off at the thermostat housing?how much fluid will i loose,a little-not to worry about or a lot?any tips?thanks
bherder
05-04-2009, 06:36 PM
I would open up the petcock on the rad and drain some out .... Maybe 1/2 - 1 gallon.... into a CLEAN bucket, so you can pour it back into the radiator.
Don't just let it spill all over ... Especially if you have dogs/cats, because coolant is like 'Ice Cream Sundae' to them, and it'll kill em.
acton mike
05-04-2009, 09:21 PM
the petcock on the bottom of the rad can be a bugger to open especially if it has been years since it was opened
it is also a bugger to get at
If you are changing the t/stat, go whole hog and put in new antifreeze and drain the rad by pulling off the bottom hose;change the hose (and the rest of them if they are at all old
and for sure to not spill the antifreeze on the ground; critters love it and it will kill them slowly and not in a pleasant fashion
