Engine coolant drain plugs

Hi been flushing out old coolant on my GTA this week by flushing through, but still getting old coolant out. So I am going to remove the 2 drain plugs in the block as well now. Has anyone got any pics of the location of these on either side ? I know from previous threads that one is above the alternator and its best to cover this up or it will get drenched .

Cheers
Brad

11 o'clock to oil filter and same on other side of the block.


Take the stat out the water pump,pop the housing back on and then flush through from the rad hoses.Then flush the rad out .That should get most of it out but you will be left with a little in the rad and block.

Thanks Lee

When putting them back is it worth putting in some lock tight to stop them shaking loose or will they be ok without?

Will be ok as long as you have the crush washer there.You could ptfe tape as well

Will be ok as long as you have the crush washer there

These copper crush washers are the same as used for the sump plug ....... 16mm one's from memory ....... available from Renault.

Thanks John

I have purchased 15 litres of type d.assume that is enough ?

I have purchased 15 litres of type d.assume that is enough ?

Hi Brad,

The total (dry) coolant capacity for these Alps is 15 litres, so you will have enough as there will still be a bit of water left having drained as much as possible without taking the whole coolant system apart as Lee said.
With regard to any form of sealing for the plugs either side of the engine ..... as long as you fit new crush washers, no extra sealing is necessary. However I did find them very tight to remove, so suggest you get hold of an 8mm key piece that fits into a socket wrench ...... I think you might find it difficult to remove the plugs with the "Allen key" type lever used for the sump plug.
Also suggest ...... if not removing the rad .... to remove the rad switch, it being lower than the hoses, and using a trigger nozzle on the end of a hose connected to a mains pressure tap, direct the jet of water downwards through the hose outlets of the rad and that should stir up any sludge at the bottom of the rad ..... keep going from each side in turn till the water runs clear from the rad switch outlet .......... just a pity you are doing this job in the winter.

John

Thanks John . Been draining through rad temp switch so far. Would rather do this in winter when not using the car. Try to do all my jobs in winter .

Stupid question time. Where are the coolant level indicators , ie max and min. My old expansion tank had no markers and niether does my new one. Filled it just below half , well below overflow pipe is that correct ?

Thanks
Brad

If you look straight down the filler hole, you should see a stepped post coming up from the base of the reservoir ...... the step indicates min ..... and the top of the post is max. you will find this is effectively half full. ....... Once you have filled to max, suggest you mark the reservoir level on the outside with a magic marker pen.

Thanks John

Ahhh my new coolant reservoir does not have a post like the old one ! Same shape and design but no post. Thanks why I can't find the level marked .

I'll try and mark out on the new one in pen where the levels should be from the old one

Watch out for the ones without the post. Might not be made to the same quality.

Clee and I both had the same problem and they go all Mr Bobby and burst when they get hot.
There are some pics on here somewhere of the results.

bigger . Anyone got originals for sale with the post or have a part number ?

......... or have a part number ?

I got mine from Renault .... and it came with a new pressure cap ....... it is worth getting both the reservoir and cap if you are going to the trouble of replacing.
Part No.

60 01 020 744 ..... for Turbo.

But check to make sure it will come with the cap ....... mine did , but you cant be sure.


Brad, Below is a pic of my reservoir with a dot where I keep mine at which is at the max level for the coolant. (mines a little low in this pic. )
Without the dot, you can see a molding line formed from when the two parts of the mold met. at the lower edge along that line is the dot ...... you may have to zoom in to see the molding line, but that't what I use as my guide .... it saves having to take the cap off to check the coolant level.