FREE REPAIR MANUALS & LABOR GUIDES 1982-2013 Vehicles
Courtesy of Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Cooling System Draining

When servicing the cooling system, it is essential that coolant does not drip onto the drive belts and/or pulleys. Shield the belts with shop towels before working on the cooling system. If coolant contacts the belts or pulleys, flush both with clean water.

WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE HOSE CLAMPS OR HOSES, CYLINDER BLOCK DRAIN PLUGS, COOL ANT BOTTLE CAP, OR OPEN THE RADIATOR DRAINCOCK, WHEN THE SYSTEM IS HOT AND UNDER PRESSURE BECAUSE SERIOUS BURNS FROM THE COOLANT CAN OCCUR.






1. Open radiator drain located at the lower right side of radiator. Drain takes place through the cooling module's lower right side insulator. Do Not Use pliers to open draincock.
2. Remove coolant pressure bottle cap and open the thermostat bleed valve.
3. Remove the cylinder block drain plug(s) located below each exhaust manifold.
Most service drains are about 80 percent of capacity listed in Cooling System Capacity Chart because not all coolant is drained from system.

CAUTION: The cooling system normally operates at 97 - 124 kPa (14 - 18 psi) pressure. Exceeding this pressure may damage the radiator or hoses.