The cooling system is important integral part modern car. Overheating can cause costly repairs. That is why during the operation of the machine it is necessary to regularly monitor the condition of the cooling system.
Car use helps reduce performance characteristics engine cooling liquids (antifreeze, antifreeze). This can cause foam to form in the system, which will cause corrosion of the cylinder block, thermostat, radiators and breakdown of the water pump mechanisms. In this case, nothing will help, except quality repair cylinder block. That is why it is necessary to replace the coolant at the intervals specified by the manufacturer.
Procedure self replacement antifreeze or antifreeze will not be a problem for any car enthusiast. The liquid is drained in the following cases:
- When installing a new thermostat;
- Before the procedure for replacing the car radiator;
- The time has come seasonal replacement new coolant.
A similar operation is carried out in two stages, since the liquid is contained in the engine cooling system and in the radiator.
Most of the time this is done by the owners. domestic cars, therefore, we will consider the stages of replacing the fluid using the example of a machine of our production.
How to drain coolant from a radiator
Valve for draining the coolant from the radiator.
Draining the coolant from the radiator involves the following actions:
- It is required to turn off the engine and wait 10 to 15 minutes for it to cool down. Next, we find the heater knob in the cabin and set it as far as possible to the right extreme position. This will open the heater drain mechanism.
- After that, the cover of the expansion tank opens.
- Next, we find the plug for draining the antifreeze from the radiator and very carefully unscrew it so that the liquid does not flood the generator.
- Antifreeze will drain completely within 10 minutes.
How to drain the complete coolant from the engine
Bolt for draining the coolant from the engine block.
Draining the coolant from the engine is carried out as follows:
- Using a spanner wrench, it is necessary to unscrew the drain plug in the cylinder block, which is located under the ignition block;
- 10 minutes is required to wait until the antifreeze is completely drained;
- Next, we wipe the cork, evaluate the condition of the seals, change them if necessary and screw everything back.
Do not forget that antifreeze is an active chemical. It has a sweet smell that may attract children or pets. Therefore, it is important to drain the antifreeze into containers, close them tightly and dispose of them in a quality manner. It is strictly forbidden to simply pour antifreeze onto the ground.
Coolant filling
When all actions to drain old fluid completed, you can fill in new antifreeze or antifreeze. The brand of coolant must comply with the recommendations of the vehicle manufacturers. Additional additives can have a negative effect and lead to the formation of rust in the cylinder block and radiator.
Antifreeze must be filled to a level between the min and max marks of the expansion tank. It happens that after this there may be air locks. Loosening the pipe clamp will help get rid of their appearance. The coolant is poured gradually and carefully. From time to time it is necessary to squeeze the radiator pipe, covering the cover. Doing so will also help prevent blockages from forming. After the final filling, it is required to start the engine and put the stove on maximum mode work. If no heat is supplied for some time, this means that there are air pockets and when long work possible overheating of the engine.
This article will address the issue of draining coolant from a car engine. The need for such a manipulation is due to several reasons at once.
Coolant must be drained when repairs are being made cooling system engine, as well as when replacing the thermostat.
Why might it be necessary to drain the fluid?
Drain the coolant:
- To replace the thermostat;
- To replace pipes;
- To replace the water pump;
- For oven repair.
When planning to perform any of these manipulations on their own, the driver must be able to drain the coolant and purge the system to avoid the formation of air locks inside it.
In addition, the coolant itself includes certain substances and additives in its composition. Their function is to reduce wear and tear on the vehicle's cooling system. However, such additives evaporate as the antifreeze is used, which means that it must be replaced regularly.
How to drain coolant?
Before proceeding with the draining of the coolant, it is necessary to carry out preparatory measures. First of all, you need to prepare the following tools:
- A container with a volume of at least 10 liters. This volume will be enough to place the antifreeze drained from the cooling system;
- Wrench 13. Experience shows that it is better to use a cap or end version of this tool to drain antifreeze;
- Pliers. This tool is also desirable to have on hand, sometimes it can come in handy.
If the vehicle is equipped with a motor guard, the guards must be removed. After that, you can see two holes that are designed to drain antifreeze. One of them will be located in the block power unit, and the second in the radiator, in its lower part.
You should start with the location of the container in which it is planned to place the drained liquid, at the bottom, right under the radiator. If there is reason to believe that the liquid will get on the generator, then it must be covered with a film. It is possible to start draining antifreeze only when the temperature of the motor is not dangerous to human health. If the engine cooling system is sealed, then the antifreeze will not flow until the plug screwed into the expansion tank is removed.
After there is no more antifreeze in the radiator, the plug must be placed back. After that, you can unscrew the plug from the power unit block, using a pre-prepared socket or ring wrench for 13. In the same way, the coolant in the "jacket" of the car's cooling system is drained.
What nuances must be taken into account in order to drain the liquid completely?
In order for all antifreeze to leave the engine cooling system, the car must be positioned so that its rear half is higher than the front. Such an arrangement vehicle inevitably force the coolant out of the cooling system.
How to refill antifreeze?
Before you start pouring coolant into the system, you must make sure that all holes open to drain antifreeze are in this moment screwed on tightly. The process of filling the coolant is somewhat different on various cars. The fact is that on VAZ cars that are not related to the “classics” (VAZ 2108 and newer models), a sealed cooling system is used in which antifreeze is under pressure.
Based on this, one can understand: to remove fluid from the system of newer cars, it is necessary to unscrew the plug that holds the pressure in the car's cooling system. In addition, you should be aware that pouring antifreeze into the cooling system of newer cars does not provide for purging the system, just turn on the engine, warm it up and let it run for a certain time. But in dealing with classic models, it is highly recommended to bleed the vehicle's cooling system. Summarizing, we can say: the process of replacing antifreeze does not require special skills and efforts.
For the convenience of draining antifreeze or coolant from the car, it must be installed on a technical pit, overpass or lift. Tools, rags and a clean fluid container of the appropriate size should be available.
IN modern cars there is no seasonal coolant; it is all-weather - antifreeze or. On older cars, special taps were used to drain the coolant; on new car models, they are absent. But there are drain places on any car. As a rule, technological plugs are now in place of the faucets and the lower pipe from the radiator is connected to the water pump.
Safety Precautions When Working with Automotive Coolants
Warning: be careful not to get coolant on open parts of the body, eyes. It is forbidden to drink it, as they are made on the basis of ethylene glycol, which is the strongest poison. The fact is that it has a sweetish taste, so store technical liquid in a place inaccessible to children. Then make sure that it does not fall on the ground.
We change antifreeze ourselves. Drain the old antifreeze
If the car has taps for draining the coolant, then a container is placed under the drain hole of the radiator and the drain hole of the engine block, open the taps and then remove the steam-air valve from the expansion tank.
If there is no drain hole on the radiator, then remove the lower pipe from the radiator - here you need to be careful, as the liquid will flow from both the radiator and the water pump. Be sure to remove the expansion valve afterwards - this is a plug on expansion tank car water system. In modern cars, on some models, all the coolant will not merge; it is required to completely drain the liquid by disconnecting the water pipe of the air conditioner and the interior heater radiator.
We change antifreeze ourselves. Pour in new antifreeze
If the liquid was drained to carry out some kind of repair, then after the completion of the manipulations, the liquid is again poured into the car, but exclude dirt from entering the liquid. The liquid is settled or filtered. It is necessary to have an additional volume of liquid of the same trademark for topping up, as some part may spill when draining.
If the fluid was drained for replacement, then you need to have a new one of the same fluid in the required amount for this car.
After filling the liquid, an air lock may occur. It is necessary to remove air from the car's cooling system. The airlock is removed by bleeding the cooling system. Some cars have special technological holes for bleeding the system. where there are no special technological holes, pumping is done by strait system. That is, the liquid is drained below, and the coolant is added from above until the air is completely removed from the system.
If the engine does not overheat, the interior stove, air conditioner, thermostat work well, then the liquid circulates well through the system.
Remember that antifreeze or antifreeze is not completely poured into the system, as when heated, the liquid expands and can damage the tank. Therefore, there are marks on the expansion tank of the car, above which coolant cannot be poured.
Often, when repairing or replacing any element of the engine, it is required to drain the antifreeze. For example, this happens when repairing a cylinder head or when replacing a head, replacing a thermostat, replacing a pump, and other procedures. Naturally, it is also necessary to drain the antifreeze during the replacement of the antifreeze itself. You need to change the antifreeze with the frequency recommended by the manufacturer of your car.
Before draining the antifreeze, you need to completely cool the engine and remove the terminals battery. You need to work in protective gloves, since antifreeze is a toxic chemical.
Not required to have viewing hole or flyovers - just a flat surface will do. If the surface is not flat enough, there is a slight slope, then you need to park the machine so that the level of its front part is higher than the level of the rear part.
We will drain the antifreeze on a VAZ 2110 car. First you need to drain the antifreeze from the radiator, and then from the engine (see the video "Replacing antifreeze with a VAZ 2110, 2114, 2115 injector" below).
Draining antifreeze from the radiator
A) Remove the engine protection using the keys 8, 13 and 17.
B) Turn the stove control knob in the cabin to the right, to the maximum. Open the heater tap.
B) Remove the expansion tank cap.
D) Place a basin under the radiator.
E) Find under the hood and first loosen, with a wrench, the radiator drain plug. Then, slowly, begin to unscrew the drain plug so that a gradual release of pressure occurs in the radiator. Then remove the plug and drain the spent antifreeze completely.
You need to do everything, slowly, carefully so that the antifreeze does not splatter the generator.
Draining antifreeze from the engine
A) To get to the drain plug, you must first remove the ignition module.
B) Place a basin or any container for draining the used antifreeze (with a capacity of at least 8 liters) and remove the cap of the expansion tank.
C) Unscrew the drain plug of the cylinder block and drain the antifreeze.
D) When the old antifreeze is poured into the container, you need to wipe it with a clean, dry cloth, the cork, all drain holes and the cylinder block.
To avoid air pockets
After the antifreeze is drained, measures must be taken so that air locks do not form in the cooling system. Since we are talking about draining antifreeze in VAZ 2110 cars, then:
- on injection engines, it is necessary to loosen the clamp and disconnect the antifreeze supply hose (in the place where it is attached to the heating fitting throttle valve);
- on carbureted engines, the hose is disconnected at the point where it is attached to the carburetor heating fitting.
So, the coolant is drained, and now you can proceed to the following tasks, for which you needed to drain the antifreeze.
Video: Replacing antifreeze with a VAZ 2110, 2114, 2115 injector
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At periodic maintenance the car needs to change the coolant in the system. This must be done in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer of the consumable and the machine itself. If desired, the owner of the vehicle can perform the entire procedure on their own.
To do this, he must find out where he is. drain plug coolant radiator and cylinder block, as well as consider the sequence of all work. It is not difficult to drain the refrigerant from the system.
Why change the coolant?
When studying the question of where the coolant drain plug is located, how the whole procedure for replacing the contents of the system takes place, it is necessary first of all to understand what it is for.
The antifreeze in the system becomes obsolete over time. The additives included in its composition are produced. This leads to a decrease in the efficiency of the coolant. If the antifreeze is not changed in time, the engine will overheat. This may cause it to break. Therefore, when wondering whether it is necessary to drain the coolant, know that the answer will be in the affirmative. This is required to be done without fail.
This procedure must also be carried out if the radiator or thermostat is replaced. With enough free time, the driver can carry out the entire procedure on his own.
When is it necessary to drain the refrigerant?
Draining of the coolant is carried out after the expiration of the operating life of the refrigerant. Depending on the manufacturer, it can be from 2 to 5 years. For example, antifreeze requires replacement every 2 years. Antifreeze from a trusted manufacturer can successfully carry out its functions for 5 years. 
Coolant manufacturers can also list the durability of their products in kilometers. This figure can be 20-60 thousand km. In this case, the operating conditions of the vehicle must be taken into account. If the engine is running under loaded conditions, replace all Supplies produce more often.
To understand when it's time to change antifreeze, you should evaluate it appearance. If it has changed its original color, foam or a brown tint has appeared, the additives no longer cope with their tasks. You need to drain the antifreeze.
Preparation
To understand how to drain the coolant, you need to consider the procedure in stages. First you need to study the instruction manual for your car. There is a detailed discussion of the location of the drain plugs.
You will need to prepare a set of keys. You also need to prepare a capacious container. It can be a basin with a volume of at least 8 liters. You should also take care of the presence of rags.
First you need to pay attention to the radiator. The work begins with him. In the operating instructions, you need to find where the coolant drain plug of this system is located. This is usually easy. The drain plug on the radiator tank is usually made of plastic. 
Only after that the liquid is drained from the engine. The plug may be on the cylinder block. It is unscrewed with the appropriate key. Work is done with a cold engine.
Radiator disassembly
Coolant replacement for VAZ, Mercedes, Ford and other car brands is carried out according to the manufacturer's instructions. Start this operation with a radiator. To do this, you need to remove the engine protection. This becomes possible if you unscrew the 4 fasteners using the appropriate keys.
To unscrew the radiator tap, you must perform a simple procedure. The stove temperature regulator, which is located in the passenger compartment, must be moved to the right extreme position. It corresponds to the hottest air that the heater produces. 
Next, you need to unscrew the cap on the expansion tank. Some manufacturers do not recommend doing this, as the liquid will splatter into the different sides. Therefore, the driver decides on the appropriateness of such a procedure on his own.
Then the process of disassembling the radiator system proceeds to next level. Next, you need to drain the antifreeze.
Draining antifreeze from the radiator
After the above procedure is performed, it is required to prepare a basin. It is placed under the radiator. You can use any convenient container. The main thing is that its capacity is appropriate. 
After that, the driver must look under the hood. Here you need to find the radiator coolant valve. The manufacturer's instructions will help with this. The plug must be slowly and carefully unscrewed. In this case, the liquid is drained into a basin. If this action is performed quickly, there is a chance that antifreeze will get on the generator.
Then the system is left for 10 minutes. She needs to be allowed to rest. After that, you can proceed to drain the coolant from the engine. This action must be carried out carefully. Rags and the necessary tools should always be at hand.
Unscrewing the engine plug
After all the liquid has been drained from the radiator, you can pay attention to the engine. Under it you need to substitute the same container that was used in the previous operation. 
Next, the driver must find where the coolant drain plug is located on the engine block. It is located in front of the cylinder block, below the level of the ignition coil. To understand where the cork is, you need to refer to the instruction diagram.
If necessary, the ignition module can be removed. In some cases, it gets in the way. Therefore, it can be dismantled in accordance with the instructions.
Draining fluid from the engine
When the entire procedure presented above is done, you need to substitute a bowl under the hole in the cylinder block. All liquid is drained into it. The system should be allowed to stand for 10 minutes. This is a necessary condition that requires draining the coolant. 
In the process of work, you need to monitor the safety of all parts of the mechanism. In order not to lose them, you need to immediately screw all the components of the system back after draining. Drain holes should be wiped with a clean cloth. If necessary, worn seals must be replaced.
After that, the process of eliminating the old fluid can be considered complete. If desired, you can flush the system special tool or distilled water. This procedure is performed after all the plugs are screwed back.
Water is added to flush the system. The engine warms up and shuts down. After 7 minutes, distilled water is drained from the system according to the previous technology. Such actions are performed several times until the water becomes clear when draining.
Pouring new antifreeze
Knowing how to drain the coolant, you need to consider the procedure for filling in a new coolant. To do this, tightly wrap all the plugs. On throttle assembly you need to unscrew the hose. Next, new antifreeze is poured into the system. This procedure is carried out until refrigerant flows from the hose. This speaks of enough antifreeze in the system.
Next, the hose must be installed in its original position. It is well clamped with a clamp. Fill the tank with liquid up to the maximum mark. Next, the lid is closed. To check the system, you need to start the engine and the interior heater. After the system warms up, the engine must be turned off. If necessary, you can add the agent inside the tank. This simple procedure will significantly extend the life of the engine and cooling system of any car.
Knowing from the manufacturer's instructions motor vehicle where the coolant drain plug is located, as well as having studied the procedure for draining the used refrigerant, each car owner will be able to carry out maintenance of this system in time. This approach will extend the life of the machine, as well as enable the engine to work fully and for a long time.
