Coolant change

[als2avant]

Hi,

I've just taken delivery of a new main rad to replace the cracked plastic one on my '95 avant (made by nissens, the finish is a little shoddy, but it is all metal), so I was going to flush the system thro and replace the coolant. Can someone point me in the direction of the coolant drain plug on the engine? Also what are the chances of getting airlocks in the system once I refill and how can I avoid these? Cheers

[rs2315]

I replaced my radiator recently on my rs2. I used new oe rad, has a brass bolt on top of rad, I believe this is for bleeding the air.
As far as engine plug for flushing, not sure.
I just ran hosepipe through as many hoses as I could.
rs2315.

[als2avant]

Yeah, I'm not sure if there is a plug, but there didn't seem to be a great deal of coolant released when I undid the lower rad hose, so assumed there must be more within the cooling channels in the block. Any ideas what the system capacity is? How much did you put back in roughly?

[rs2315]

Yeah, I'm not sure if there is a plug, but there didn't seem to be a great deal of coolant released when I undid the lower rad hose, so assumed there must be more within the cooling channels in the block. Any ideas what the system capacity is? How much did you put back in roughly?

I think capacity is about 8 litres.
Make sure you use G12+ coolant( pink color) from dealership. I used about three bottles.
40% coolant 60% water or 50/50 split but no more.
Try to use de-ionised water, get from garage, same stuff as for batteries.
Fill up expansion tank, I ran engine for a couple of seconds, to run first lot of coolant through. Continue adding coolant/water till expansion tank is full. Run engine and check for any trapped air.
That's the way I played it, and it all seemed to work well for me.
Keep an eye on system over next few days for leaks.
Hope this is of help.
rs2315.

[als2avant]

Yep, that's great cheers, although I'm not sure about the G12 coolant, i'd already bought myself some general stuff at a local motor factor. I could pick some up at the audi dealer when i go down to pick up some bits, is there any major reason I should use the real stuff?

[S2central.net]

Don't use any old generic coolant - get the 'G12plus' from a dealership... Though I have seen stuff at Halfords which claims to be compliant.

BTW - There isn't a coolant drain plug on the engine to my knowledge.

Flushing the system is complex cos of the thermostat keeping the system closed with cold water - you really need it removed for a proper 2-way flush but that is a LOT of work... Quicker to drain and refill twice with a run in between - that will get rid of most of any remaining crud in the system.

Paul

[als2avant]

OK, will do, cheers for the advice, what am I looking at in terms of ££s? I want to be prepared, so they don't see the fear and loathing in my eyes when I'm told!

[Greg_S]

Coolant doesn't cost a great deal so I wouldnt worry too much about it.

When i do mine i drain from bottom of rad, flush through with some water what I can, reconnect and refill.

Run til the fan kicks in and check the bleed nipple going to the heater pipes and the one on top the rad and you done