Quick help needed - Engine block drain for coolant - Exact location, tools needed, pictures?

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Sep 17, 2003 | 01:26 PM

DINA

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Quick help needed - Engine block drain for coolant - Exact location, tools needed, pictures?

I'm about to go drain the coolant from my 12v, but I don't wanna pull the wrong plug or anything like that. What type of head does the plug have on it?

Anyone have a picture (pictures)?

TIA,

Matt

Sep 17, 2003 | 01:45 PM

cuatrokoop

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Re: Quick help needed - Engine block drain for coolant - Exact location, tools needed, pictures?

None of the engine's I've had apart had drains for the coolant. It was called "let's pull the lower radiator hose off and hold a bucket underneath, then pull the heater core hoses and TRY to get a bucket close to them"...Maybe the V6 is different, but I don't remember seeing anything on the 12v sitting in the garage.

Sep 17, 2003 | 01:47 PM

DINA

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Miktip said "... the block has a drain, on the bottom near the trans/gearbox"

The V6 engine block "cannot" be drained by draining the rad. You must "drain" the system completly, by, 1 draining the radiator, 2 draining the engine block. The block has a drain, on the bottom near the trans/gearbox.
This is the "best" and complete way to drain old coolant.

Sep 17, 2003 | 01:59 PM

quattro.pilot

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Cuatrokoop's method is the easiest (that's what I do too)

BUT, I think I know what you're talking about. There's a "drain" plug for the block right @ the end of the engine, where the flywheel is, and where the tranny bolts on. The plug is vertical and located recessed in the upper oil pan structure. You'll need a Hex socket (like an Alan key, or whatever.) It looks like a bitch to get at. The only reason I know about it is cause I just removed my whole oil pan assembly. You can use this plug if you want, but it'll be a bugger. Just do it the mickey mouse way, save yourself some time and pain. Besides, if that plug strips or breaks etc. you will be SOL bigtime!!

check yah later

Sep 17, 2003 | 02:44 PM

Joe Sixpack

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Re: Miktip said "... the above its true, not really a PIA, no big deal, mine was...

Gummed up and I had to poke a piece of wire up there to break it loose. I was changing my timing belt and water pump so everything was off the car and I still got about a gallon of fluid out, well worth the effort to insure everything was proper. Your call, need a 8 or 10 MM Allen wrench socket.

Sep 17, 2003 | 04:15 PM

MikTip

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Utilize the drain, thats why its there! It wont strip! ;O)

<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/6607/drain.jpg"></center><p>
The picture is if you looking up at the gearbox & engine, where they join, drivers side, bottom.

You cannot fully drain the engine block by simply pulling the rad hose. The drain on the block, allows you to remove accumulated setiment, which gathers at the bottom of the block. Pull the Allen head drain, and you'll see. ;O)

Make sure you have the correct sized "metric" allen. ;O)