Author Topic: Clean way to drain coolant? (Read 8034 times)

rallydiesel · « **on:** January 27, 2008, 07:58:23 pm »

Anybody have a clean way of draining the coolant from a 1.6? I have been pulling the lower rad hose off but coolant gets all over the place. I'd like to be able to save and reuse it since I just put all new in recently.

burn_your_money · « **Reply #1 on:** January 27, 2008, 08:37:57 pm »

One of these days I'm going to make a quick connect adapter for this stupid design

jimfoo · « **Reply #2 on:** January 27, 2008, 09:09:13 pm »

I barely pulled the hose off the thermostat, with a big a** funnel underneath. I don't want to spill any of my $35/gal antifreeze!

jtanguay · « **Reply #3 on:** January 28, 2008, 04:45:21 am »

i've considered installing a valve down there... but then again you need to drop the thermostat to drain the coolant from the engine so either way you're going to get spillage.

isn't there some kind of frost plug on the water pump though? maybe just tap that and install a valve. would make draining so much easier!

its shown right in the rear. that one plug right near the pulley shaft. i'm sure there's something in the way but just throwing this idea out there. who knows maybe someone out there is crazy enough to drill & tap the water pump to install a drain line with a valve? :lol:

jasonsansfleece · « **Reply #4 on:** January 28, 2008, 06:41:24 pm »

Would Fatmobile post his picture? I am ready to install a plug!
If drainage is part of an engine removal I disconect the hoses at the fire wall for a minimal spillage then pull the motor with the rad connected. Then with all that access you can conduct a controlled drainage!
Fatmobile, I'm intrigued
Guy

fatmobile · « **Reply #5 on:** January 29, 2008, 12:26:17 am »

Easier to just post a link to pics and warnings:
http://www.vwdieselparts.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=7111&highlight=draining+coolant

burn_your_money · « **Reply #6 on:** January 29, 2008, 04:57:26 am »

Cool thanks

BlackTieTD · « **Reply #7 on:** January 30, 2008, 04:05:17 pm »

just be careful if you tap the waterpump not to over-tighten the plug. he described a plug that gets wider as you tighten it, and that it creates a good seal. thats true but if you over-tighten -- it will want to split the waterpump housing. keep in mind that it is aluminum when you're tightening.

RabbitJockey · « **Reply #8 on:** January 30, 2008, 04:14:16 pm »

i pull a little hose off and then pull the big hose off... its not that messy?

BlackTieTD · « **Reply #9 on:** January 30, 2008, 05:28:44 pm »

heh heh i agree :?: :lol:

upchuck · « **Reply #10 on:** January 30, 2008, 09:45:36 pm »

agreed x3... in terms of collecting the coolant i use wide shallow tupperware/rubbermaid style bin, and last time i ran it thru coffee filters before reuse

burn_your_money · « **Reply #11 on:** January 30, 2008, 09:47:15 pm »

Mine always runs across the front cross member, through the PS lines, down the pan etc etc There is no way to catch it all

RabbitJockey · « **Reply #12 on:** January 31, 2008, 06:28:55 pm »

oh haha well on mk1s its easy. i wish there was a cleaner way to change oil though, when ever i take the filter off it goes all over the place

jtanguay · « **Reply #13 on:** January 31, 2008, 07:22:41 pm »

Quote from: "Trev0rbr"

oh haha well on mk1s its easy. i wish there was a cleaner way to change oil though, when ever i take the filter off it goes all over the place

i have an oil filter relocation kit just for that

it's mainly because the oil filter is on an angle that it spills all over. i have put a bag under & used the oil filter wrench with some success.

BlackTieTD · « **Reply #14 on:** February 01, 2008, 07:12:30 am »

why not put the pan under where it leaks? (oil filter)

i agree mkIs are easier to work on, i often forget about the hassles of later generations when i put posts on here. is it all that hard to pop of a lower rad hose with a shallow pan underneith even on a mkII? sure you spill a few drops. its a VOLKSWAGEN your driveway shouldn't be spotless. :lol: