11 replies to this topic

[TehMarchant]

So I had a quick attempt at changing the coolent today and really got nowhere (apart from a cleaner rocker cover...)

So the question is what other ways can clean out my system aprat from the bottom rad hose? (it has a rounded jubilee clip on a funny angle so i can't get a rachet to it)

I did read that you could do it from the heater matrix pipes? Just pop a hose onto it? How powerful?

Is that the part pictured?




Any other ways?

[TehMarchant]

Anyone Please

[KernowCooper]

You could do it there or take the hose off the water pump and drain it out and back flush it.

[TehMarchant]

Okay I will have a look into the water pump tomorrow, but for the mean time I need more ideas if i get stuck, I have thought of this and would it work?

I can't get the bottom hose off so.

Would it work if i took the top hose of the rad and ran the engine so that the water just spat out of the top hose, then I can just keep filling the rad with the hose pipe untill it ran clean?

[scott_65_cooper_s]

The problem with this method is you're not actually emptying the system, so putting antifreeze in would then be difficult.

Check the bottom of the rad for a tap/sender hole. Could drain out from there...

[TehMarchant]

The problem with this method is you're not actually emptying the system, so putting antifreeze in would then be difficult.

Check the bottom of the rad for a tap/sender hole. Could drain out from there...

The only problem is I use this for a daily drive and if I bugger a gasket I cant use the car.

Is their any chance that this method could ruin the gasket there, and is this option available on a '78?

Cheers.

[scott_65_cooper_s]

If it's a daily driver, I'd be more concerned about having no antifreeze. Can't comment if the tap is on a '78, but my 60's rad had one towards the front of the car and my aftermarket ally rad has one in the same place. Should be able to see if you have one or not with the grill out. If it does, some PTFE tape (white stuff plumbers use) on the threads before putting back ought to keep it water tight.

[Daviewonder]

Just sort the bottom hose clip.

[Ethel]

I agree with Daviewonder, it's got the potential to leave you stranded until it is sorted. If the clip isn't loose someone must have got a toll on it to tighten it in the first place, have you tried accessing it from below or under the wing? In the worst case you could cut it loose, or disconnect it from the water pump and lift the rad out. There is a drain plug in back of the block, but they are rarely used and can give as much grief.

[Carlos W]

I agree with the above, get the jubilee clip off, then changing the coolant is a an easy job!

It'll take you longer to pump the water through the heater, then find a way of getting half the clean water out to get the antifreeze concentration correct than it would to cut the jubilee clip off, empty, flush, put back together and refill!

[TehMarchant]

Okay, I will have a last go at the clip, if not I will take the rad out and give it another go, if that fails I will cut the clip, Is thier a special way to cut the clip so that the pipe will be un damaged?

Cheers

[Ipod]

Get a pair of grips and just keep working it till the clip snaps,
or get pliers on the rounded off bit and undo
or hacksaw a slot and use a screw driver
or shout at it