coolant change

[mattyb]

tryed to change the coolant in my car today, but when i drained the system only about three litres came out. i am sure it is suposed to be ten litres or eleven. can anyone help please

[march109]

There are 11 in an M20B25.

Did you remove the block drain plug? flushed the rad through? and removed bottom hose to the rad?

[mattyb]

i was only aware of the drain plug on the bottom of the rad. removed that but only about three litres.

[stonesie]

Ok, on the block near the back cylinder on the exhaust side you will find the block drain plug, will need a old washing up bowl or somthing because the other 8 liters will come out of there, farely quickly at first.

[mattyb]

ok cheers for the help will get on it next time am home cheers for all the help. thanks

[Brianmoooore]

The block drain has a 19mm hex head, is hidden under the exhaust manifold, and requires a ring spanner with a straight end, not angled like most combination spanners. The skin on your knuckles will not survive!
A cheating way to change the coolant is to drain the rad as you have, then use a hose to thoroughly flush all the old coolant out of the block, replacing it with plain water.
Reconnect all the hoses, etc., and fill with four litres of neat, undiluted coolant (for a 33% mix), then top up with plain water.
If you do drain the block, read up on the real possibilities of air locks, overheating, and possible cracked heads.

[Bobbydoughnut]

If you want to maximise life, remember to get the right coolant for it, if it's an M20, due to the mixed metal engine it could do with certain anti corrosion additives etc.