Draining the radiator
 

I did a search for this and didn't find much.

What is everyone's favorite/ easiest method for draining the radiator? I need to flush mine now that the water pump and tstat are replaced, and can't get the lower hose to release from the radiator spout like I want to use. Any ideas?

skrach77

V8 or I6?
On my V8 there is drain plug right on the bottom of the radiator (passenger side), can't be easier to put 5 gallon bucket there.

So you didn't flush the coolant when replacing WP and thermostat?

The grain plug on I6 is on the bottomof the radiator(driver side) ( the plug is blue color)
You have to remove the bottom engine plash shield to get to it.

Lol- I did not know there was a drain plug, that would be to easy!

And yes, I flushed the system after the work, but have been running just water for a few days to check for leaks am avoid wasting or dripping antifreeze everywhere. Everything looks fine though so it's time to flush again and refill correctly.

Thanks for the heads up on the drain plug!

Skrach77

I am getting ready to replace the coolant expansion tank on my 4.4 and wanted to flush the system while i do this. Should I remove the splash guard on the bottom and then drain the coolant by removing the plug at the bottom of the radiator then install the new expansion tank, re-plug the radiator and refill the tank with new coolant? What kind of tips and info do people who have replaced their expansion tanks have? thanks!

FYI, the drain plug on an '06 V8 4.8is is on the driver's side of the bottom of the radiator. The plug is blue plastic, and you need to take of the front section of the under chassis engine cover to access it.

sorry to open this up again, do you think its good enough to to just let this drain... fill... then go on your way? or is there too much left over in the engine block to be effective?

Hi,

Can someone advise were the drain plug is on the 3.0.d model please

A radiator drain and flush is probably a sufficient percentage change. Although most of the coolant is actually in the block.

Thank you for the information. I went ahead and changed it on Tuesday. I noticed that only 1 gallon was in the radiator. I started the car and ran the heater. I managed to get another gallon out. I decided that was good enough. I mixed it 50/50 like the BMW anti-freeze stated but the dealership sold me 3 gallons which is the entire system. Should I have put in 100% pure? I now have two extra gallons.