How to drain the coolant: detailed instructions

From the article you will learn how to drain the coolant from the engine system correctly, without shedding it to the ground or floor in the garage. There can be several reasons for draining. This is a complete replacement, and the repair of the pump, thermostat. When installing new pipes or radiators, you can not do without draining the system. But you need to adhere to a certain algorithm, so that the work was carried out as quickly and qualitatively as possible. First we need to talk about typical faults in the cooling system of any internal combustion engine.

Symptoms of a cooling system failure

Very often the gasket under the cylinder head is damaged , the volume of the cooling liquid in the system is reduced. In this case, the liquid can escape, even in small quantities, into the combustion chambers. This is reflected both in the operation of the engine and in the functioning of the cooling system. It is also worth noting that with a good thermostat during engine warm-up, the temperature of the main cooler of the cooling system does not change. Therefore, if after two or three minutes after starting you touch the lower and upper nozzles, and they are hot, then there is a problem with the thermostat. Most likely, its valve is in a position at which the liquid circulates in a large circle. On the other hand, if, even after reaching 90 degrees, the temperature of these nozzles remains low, it can be judged that the wedging occurred at a position where the fluid circulates through a small circle.

What you need to know before draining the fluid

Most importantly - always work only on a cold engine! Otherwise you will get the strongest burns on the body. Heals wounds very long, and if you also take into account that antifreeze (antifreeze) is toxic, then you risk getting the strongest allergic reaction. Scald hot antifreeze much worse than ordinary water, because it is greasy, because in the cooling system plays a secondary role lubricant for the hub or pump bearing. And you imagine what it's like to boil with boiling oil (for example, vegetable oil). The effect is approximately the same. To drain the liquid, you will need a key for 13, a container, as well as pliers. But the latter are needed in exceptional cases, which will be discussed below. Pay attention to the coolant reservoir, it has a cork. About it will be told a little bit lower.

How to drain fluid?

So, first prepare the machine for repair. As long as the engine cools down, you remove protection from it, it will interfere. The total volume of the cooling liquid in the system is about 9 liters. Having freed a place, it is possible to have a rest a little, having waited full cooling of antifreeze. Install under the drain hole on the radiator capacity, estimate the approximate direction of the jet. For example, on domestic front-wheel drive vehicles, when the liquid is drained, the jet enters the rear cover of the generator. This is not very good, since you can get a short circuit and burn the generator. Therefore, before draining the coolant, it is best to cover it with a waterproof material. Install a small gutter in such a way that the jet hits it, and all the liquid drains into the container without any residue.

Please note that without twisting the plug from the expansion tank, it will not be possible to drain all the liquid, since the system is perfectly sealed. After you have drained the liquid from the radiator, close the hole in it. Using a key on 13, twist the second plug. It is located on the engine block. By analogy, install a small chute to direct the entire flow of liquid into the container. Without these actions, replacing the coolant VAZ 2114 is not possible. The most important thing during the discharge of a liquid is to open the stove cock! It is also desirable to install the car in such a way that its front part is below the rear. This will allow the entire liquid to drain to the drain holes.

Which is better: antifreeze or antifreeze?

This question arises very often in motorists. And the answer to it will sound like a question: "Which is better: Coca-Cola or Baikal"? In fact, it is one and the same, only "Baikal", like the antifreeze, is a domestic product. And abroad, Coca-Cola and antifreeze are more popular. Tosol - this is antifreeze. Any liquid that does not freeze in the cold is antifreeze. But there are differences. And before draining the coolant to make a replacement, it's worth learning about the nuances.

Tosol was developed by Russian scientists about half a century ago, it has become widespread, and is not inferior to its foreign counterpart (which everyone calls "antifreeze") in terms of its characteristics. It differs antifreeze blue and completely different composition. Unfortunately, in the foreign brands of this liquid there are many more additives that improve its characteristics, extend the service life. And what to choose - antifreeze or antifreeze (the price of these liquids is almost the same), it's up to you.

Replacement of thermostat

It is only necessary to replace the failed thermostat. It is located directly on the internal combustion engine. Several nozzles are connected to it. Typically, one goes to the expansion tank, the second - to the radiator, the third - to the water pump, the fourth made a connection with the cooling jacket of the cylinder block. Please note that all work must be done only after the fluid has cooled completely in the cooling system. And before starting to carry out repairs, it is necessary to completely drain the antifreeze from the system.

Unscrew the clamps, which are located on the nozzles, then remove them. Please note that in this case, the antifreeze must be completely drained. The price of it, by the way, is about 700 rubles for a canister of 10 liters.

Conclusion

If you notice that the temperature has reached a critical point, you must immediately identify all the causes of the malfunction, and also take action quickly to immediately eliminate them.

On the other hand, the excessively low temperature of the motor also leads to an increase in wear of all elements of the internal combustion engine. The fuel-air mixture practically does not evaporate, it removes oil film from all the walls on the cylinders. Regardless of the symptom of breakage, hypothermia, or excessive heating, there is a malfunction in the system that should be corrected as soon as possible.

Now you know how to drain coolant from an internal combustion engine. Good luck!