Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Cooling system drain for 2nd generation

[PKnight]

I'm almost too embrassed to ask! How do you drain the cooling system on a 97 TD. I cannot find a drain valve. I removed the lower radiator hose from the engine block and only got four gallons of liquid out. What am I doing wrong?

 

[GAmes]

The drain is on the left side, rear of the tank. It is quite a chore to pull because there isn't much surface area to grab on to. Then once it is pulled there is a good chance the o-ring on it will leak when you reinstall it. I siphon the coolant out with a 1/4 id hose when I need the radiator empty.

 

[Matt42]

The drain is on the left side, rear of the tank. It is quite a chore to pull because there isn't much surface area to grab on to. Then once it is pulled there is a good chance the o-ring on it will leak when you reinstall it. I siphon the coolant out with a 1/4 id hose when I need the radiator empty.

Pretty much right. I keep a selection of many sized and types of replacement O-rings on hand, nitrile, Buna, the green air conditioning and fuel type whose name I can't recall, and others. I can usually re-use a cooling gasket on a radiator drain cock by using Jacuzzi grease (no joke!). But the radiator drain on my 1996 acts like it needs prostate surgery, and please don't ask how I know this. It'll work, but you can't be in a hurry. A pair of needle nose pliers with 5/16 inch vacuum hoses slipped over the jaws will really help!



For refill, I really suggest Cummins Compleat and distilled water. Don't try to save $14 on coolant when you have an $800 radiator and a $10,000 engine.

 

[hsmith]

Some of us don't need to ask Matt.

 

[PKnight]

Thanks for the reply guys! Does the radiator drain empty the whole system? The radiator hose I removed appeared to be the lowest spot of the system,yet I only got out 4 gallons. I checked it for full before I started so I expected to drain our 6 gallons. I've looked several time for that drain valve and never could find it. I will look again tomorrow to make sure my truck has one. I've owned the truck since day one ( June 28th, 1997) and could never find how to drain the system. I used to have the dealer do it. Speaking of draining the "system", without asking questions, I've had that problem too. After having the rota-rooter proceedure that system now drains well.

 

[Matt42]

In my experience, the radiator drain does a pretty good job of draining the truck's cooling system. What little remains is not a problem. It goes way faster if you loosen the radiator cap. As for the other, well, some use the microwave probe method. :{:{

 

[Missouri Mule]

PKnight, removing the lower radiator hose from the radiator is OK. Using the drain or hose is only going to empty out what is in the radiator. If I want it all out I run the engine and turn it off before it hits the red zone on temp gauge.

 

[GAmes]

If I want it all out I run the engine and turn it off before it hits the red zone on temp gauge.

That is flirting with disaster. The temp probe is designed to work when it is wet (submerged). When there isn't any coolant in the block the actual temp could be a lot higher than what the gauge shows.



The lower hose on mine is 4 or 5 inches above the bottom of the radiator. That is why I siphon it out.

 

[Midnite]

What's the big deal with needing to get every last drop out? If you replace 4 gallons every couple years you're mixing in enough fresh coolant often enough that whatever remains isn't relevant.

 

[PKnight]

Great feedback guys! I agree that 4 gallons of new stuff is good enough for renewing the solution but I'm just trying to learn as much as possible. Thanks to you guys I've learned a lot. I checked out what GAmes said about the location and sure enough it is there. I was so excited I took a picture. For others trying to find their valves, it is on the bottom left side of the radiator, next to where the charge air pipe exits the inter-cooler. I see slight evidence of seepage on the valve so may have to change the "O" ring. I'll keep an eye on it. Thanks to all who responded! PKnight

 

[Missouri Mule]

I did it only once on My Mule but many times on other vehilces I have owned. Never lost or damaged an engine.

I have my mechanic (his mechanics) change the coolant/distilled water every two years. They only drain out 4 gallons.

 

[JohnBoy5]

That is flirting with disaster. The temp probe is designed to work when it is wet (submerged). When there isn't any coolant in the block the actual temp could be a lot higher than what the gauge shows.



The lower hose on mine is 4 or 5 inches above the bottom of the radiator. That is why I siphon it out.

I agree that running the engine up to the red point with no coolant is a bad idea. i do like to flush the entire system though.



i un hooked the heater core and use a water hose then low air pressure to get that drained. then did the same for the heat exchanger for the trans. i feel like i was able to remove everything from the system.