Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Changing coolant

I am going to be changing the coolant in my 98 SVT shortly. I was wondering if anyone had any tips.
Is there just a drain plug at the bottom of the radiator? Or is there a drain plug in the block as well? Are
there any crush rings on any drain plugs? Thanks for the help.

Michael

There is a hint of a drain in this post .

Draincock yes, pass side, will require removal of plastic air dam(stone shield) if your vehicle is so equipped.

Never looked for engine drain nor will you after accessing rad drain. I'm sure there are frost(core) plugs (block heater goes in one) but again have never looked. When I'm down and under I'm usually working, not a tourist.

Link in above post will explain low coolant warning light's sensitivity to coolant level.

Though it is not really a drain, you can remove the temp sending unit so that you can flush out the block. It is located near the thermostat between two hoses. It is on the driver's side of the engine, above the V and below as well as a bit foreward of the throttle body. It is much easier to remove that the thermostat. With the sender out, you can add water to the water bottle until there is clear water coming out of the sending unit hole with no more coolant color. You should still drain the radiator from the petcock, probably both before and after flushing through the sensor hole. Five quarts of coolant and the rest water should put you close to 50/50 mixture.

Ever notice that the 1998 Shop Manual refers to a section 303-03-41 Coolant System Draining, Filling and Bleeding? The section is there but it discusses draining and flushing only. There is no procedure for filling and bleeding.

I can't believe the Manual procedure for draining coolant is effective for the block. The low point of the block can't be drained unless the sensor hole is down that low. Removing the sensor is not mentioned in the Manual.
Also, there should be a vent at the head(s) so air can escape when you fill the system. Otherwise air can get trapped up in the high point of the block. I think it is too risky to let an engine run only partially filled while waiting for the thermostat to open in order to push the air bubble through.

To drain the engine block I just left the drain cock open and tilted the car perpendicular to the ground.

Actually I just flushed the system with fresh water multiple times...
I recommend doing that anyway for good measure...