The Alchemist

iTrader: (19)

I need to swap my water pump, and would like to do it with as little mess as possible, so is there a way to drain the block, at least below the water pump level to try and avoid the mess?

Thanks.

Jeremy@RPMTransmissions

iTrader: (12)

There is a coolant plug in the side of your block. This is an easy way to drain the block but I don't know how clean it will be. The coolent will be running everywhere because all the stuff between that hole and the ground.

Steve Gunn

drain the radiator then close everything up. remove the coolant bypass, then use a shop vac and the mentioned coolant plug, close it then from the bottom rad. hose.

Clyde H Frasier Jr

Also one on the passenger side, not as big as te one on the d/s.
Water will be everywhere!!!!

HavATampa

iTrader: (49)

Removing the block plugs like mentioned above are a pain to get to, but will help. The lower radiator hose is lower than the water pump ports on the block, so it shouldn't be to messy by just removing the lower hose first and letting it drain. I used a shop vac to suck water out of the block when swapping heads, but you need to have the water pump off first.

There's another drain plug on the passenger side too:

The Alchemist

iTrader: (19)

I have a lift, so getting under it isn't a problem. I've done this before, but just remember it being a big mess. Oh well. I could always just unhook the lower heater core line from the water pump and try draining that while using a shop vac to catch as much as possible.

Thanks guys. After 10 years and countless mods and work done myself, I still learn something new each time I tear into the motor.

NHRATA01

iTrader: (10)

Wait, why not just use the draincock on the radiator? That's about as clean as it's going to get.

The Alchemist

iTrader: (19)

Isn't the top radiator hose higher than the block? It's not going to drain out the block that way.

I'm just trying to avoid the mess on the floor when you break loose the bolts on the water pump. It's not a big deal, but if there's a better way, I'm willing to try it. I just hate cleaning up messes that I can avoid.

biggeazy-e

iTrader: (2)

anybody know where to get one of those coolant plugs? my block had a heater that I removed, and can't find the correct size plug for the hole yet

HVYMTL

Pulling the ECT sender will drain quite a bit out of the block, and it's super easy to get too. Mine broke when I pulled the manifolds off to put my headers on, that's how I know it will drain a lot out, haha.

flippincamaro

iTrader: (23)

Damn, Hvymtl, My brother in law, tends to break them all the time, For some reason if i dont get to it first an remove it, it will be broken lil, Just fragile an isnt hard to miss lol

The Alchemist

iTrader: (19)

I never thought about the coolant temperature sensor. That and a shop vac and I'm good to go.

Thanks for the ideas guys.

NHRATA01

iTrader: (10)

Yes but the lower isn't, and the draincock is at the lowest point in the system. As you drain down the level in the radiator, the level in the block will follow. It is basically like having 2 tanks connected with an equalizing line. Drain one tank and the other follows.

HVYMTL

Ha yeah it's right in the way when doing headers/plugs/etc. mine was just old and brittle, I didn't even hit it (that I know of), just found it with the two pins sticking out and the rest still plugged into the harness. Luckily NAPA stocks them for under 10 bucks!

biggeazy-e

iTrader: (2)

or does anyone know what size the plug is?, I could order one online

thanks for any info

Cumbias

Take it to a shop. 'Bout clean as its gunna get

The Alchemist

iTrader: (19)

Ummmm, no. Thanks for the suggestion though.

gMAG

iTrader: (1)

Draincock on the rad. You can even assist the outflow by taking the rad cap off. It's as easy and clean as can be.

The Alchemist

iTrader: (19)

The swap is done...

I drained the radiator, and when I unbolted the pump, I still got a gush of coolant on the floor. Fortunately, I picked up some spill pads ahead of time and they absorbed everything.

wssix99

iTrader: (5)

Hoooooooly crap. What a disaster.

How did you end up draining your block? Shop vac and a tube? Or did you skip it and just do the radiator?

My coolant is so old that it has hair - so I'm doing a full flush and want everything out. It looks like the only way to get to the large plug on the driver's side is to take the damn alternator out. I don't really want to do that, especially since it's going to make a mess and I'll need to do it twice to run the engine for the flush and then drain it all a second time before new coolant goes in.

I've drained my radiator, but it looks like it only holds half the coolant in the system. The block is still holding on to a ton.