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Head Swap Question

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Old 03-10-2003, 11:34 AM
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Default Head Swap Question

Finally getting ready to install my Absolute Speed Stage II's, and I've got a quick question.

Since I won't be doing a cam swap, I'm thinking I won't need to remove the waterpump and drain the coolant out of the radiator; does this sound right?? Can you remove just the intake and heads w/out draining the coolant??

TIA <img border="0" alt="[worship]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_hail.gif" />
Old 03-10-2003, 01:24 PM
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Default Re: Head Swap Question

You'll spill a lot more coolant into the bores and on the floor if you don't drain it out of the radiator. Draining the radiator will also remove a lot of the coolant that is in the heads. You shouldn't need to pull the water pump. Draining the radiator is pretty simple so I don't understand why you would not want to do that.
Old 03-10-2003, 01:34 PM
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Default Re: Head Swap Question

Definitly drain the radiator unless you want a big mess. Removing the water pump is not absolutely necessary.

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Old 03-10-2003, 01:49 PM
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Default Re: Head Swap Question

You can also drain the block by removing the 3 ( i think ) freeze plugs. You will have to remove the starter and alternator to get to them. You get a lot less coolant in the bores and in the bolt holes.

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Old 03-10-2003, 01:55 PM
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Default Re: Head Swap Question

Thanks for the replies. I'll go ahead and drain the radiator.

Sorry if that was a stupid question; this'll be my first head swap.
Old 03-10-2003, 02:19 PM
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Default Re: Head Swap Question

I would drain the radiator, then refill with water. Run the engine to mix. Keep doing this until there is nothing but fresh water in the complete cooling system. This is a lot cleaner than dealing with all that sticky, messy coolant.

After you finish the last drain of clean water from the radiator, you can unhook the hoses to the water pump. You will be suprised how much more water will come out even though you have drained the radiator.

That should take care of it. If you still get a little fluid spill out of it when removing the heads, it will just be clean pure water. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />

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