Coolant DIY
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From: Miami, Florida
I recommend (if you don't want a big mess) to get some 3/8th to 1/2 inch tubing or just buy one of these pumps below at any auto store as they come with such tubing (works well for other projects like pumping in new gear oil).
I also got a plastic, tupperware container that hold 17 liters to allow the old coolant to be drained.
Make sure to remember to put the container right underneath with or without hosing before letting the fluid drain.
I also got a plastic, tupperware container that hold 17 liters to allow the old coolant to be drained.
Make sure to remember to put the container right underneath with or without hosing before letting the fluid drain.
Last edited by Lexmex; Jul 12, 2009 at 12:31 PM.
Thread Starter
CL Community Team
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From: Miami, Florida
Carefully turn the drain plug counter clockwise (or to the left) without pulling it all the way off, and the coolant will begin to drain. It may take several minutes to do so.
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Now, you notice that I did a no-no and did pull out the drain plug all the way, and here is the result below, it sprayed everywhere.
You will also notice the coolant reservoir will empty.
In the last photo, that is how much fluid came out after the dripping stopped. Then make sure to put the drain plug back on, and then we will proceed to the front drain plug.
You will also notice the coolant reservoir will empty.
In the last photo, that is how much fluid came out after the dripping stopped. Then make sure to put the drain plug back on, and then we will proceed to the front drain plug.
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As seen earlier when I first did this thread, here is the front drain plug. it is located on the front of the engine block to the right of where the oil filter is and just below the engine manifold.
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Now, one can use a 3/8ths hose to latch on to the spigot or one can also string some simple drinking straws together or in combination with hosing (as shown). And then the hose drains into the container.
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Another view from above.
One has to reach in with their left hand and palm facing the front of the engine block with a 10mm or 3/8ths wrench (ratchet is possible, too) on the drain valve and turn counterclockwise (or to the left) until loose. One can then turn the plug with one's fingers until it starts to drain. It can take a few minutes to drain.
The fluid then got up to the level shown in the last photo.
One can then tighten the valve with one's fingers and close it tightly with the wrench.
One has to reach in with their left hand and palm facing the front of the engine block with a 10mm or 3/8ths wrench (ratchet is possible, too) on the drain valve and turn counterclockwise (or to the left) until loose. One can then turn the plug with one's fingers until it starts to drain. It can take a few minutes to drain.
The fluid then got up to the level shown in the last photo.
One can then tighten the valve with one's fingers and close it tightly with the wrench.
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From: Miami, Florida
Now, I had an issue with the rear plug. Similar to last time I did this, but thought I would show this to better explain it (perhaps someone has a better way and I am all ears).
First, my 17 liter tupperware container was too tall as shown below, so I had to use an oil drain pan.
The plug on an AWD is located on the passenger side (see earlier photos in this thread for photos about the FWD location). I recommend turning the front wheels as far to the left as possible as that will make it easier to work under here.
First, my 17 liter tupperware container was too tall as shown below, so I had to use an oil drain pan.
The plug on an AWD is located on the passenger side (see earlier photos in this thread for photos about the FWD location). I recommend turning the front wheels as far to the left as possible as that will make it easier to work under here.
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You can see the location of the plug in the white circle.
And here's my issue, getting a hose on here is a major PITA. Luckily, I have small hands. After I did the drain in December, I figured out just to avoid putting a hose on here and just letting it drain underneath. However, you can see a few photos where I attached the straw and hose just to show it.
And here's my issue, getting a hose on here is a major PITA. Luckily, I have small hands. After I did the drain in December, I figured out just to avoid putting a hose on here and just letting it drain underneath. However, you can see a few photos where I attached the straw and hose just to show it.
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Now, if for some reason, you have problems with getting these plugs to drain, remember post 9 in this thread, turning the vehicle on for just a few seconds with the a/c set to max and hot.
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Here's what came out and the running total.
Remember, the capacity is 9 liters and that's a 17 liter container in the second photo.
Remember, the capacity is 9 liters and that's a 17 liter container in the second photo.
Last edited by Lexmex; Jul 12, 2009 at 02:29 PM.
Thread Starter
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Now, I have to use some of my old photos in some places, since I forgot to take some shots.
After closing the rear drain plug, remember to put the plastic cover back on the front of the vehicle underneath.
Then, one ready to star putting in the coolant and water.
First, open up the Radiator Pressure Cap.
After closing the rear drain plug, remember to put the plastic cover back on the front of the vehicle underneath.
Then, one ready to star putting in the coolant and water.
First, open up the Radiator Pressure Cap.