4 replies to this topic

[decampos]

Hi Everyone. I have searched the forum archives and couldn't find the info I was after. The Haynes manual talks of a radiator drain plug and a 'bolt' on the back of the block. It then says 'these fittings are only applicable to early models'.

There isn't a drain on the rad, can I assume there isn't the bolt at the back of the block also?

Rather than lose my knuckles tackling the hose at the bottom of the rad, I assume I can remove the temperature sensor at the grille side bottom edge. How easy is that to remove? looks really flimsy and easy to break.

Is it possible to drain the entire system though that hole? seems bizarre not having a drain on the block.

Sorry for all the questions. Any help very much appreciated.
Cheers

[minislapper]

Just pull the hose off the water pump. Its the easier way.

Think A-series had a block drain but A+ (which yours is) didn't!

[Dan]

There are lots of A+ blocks that do have drain plugs and some that don't. I think the difference is based on if the engine is Mini or Metro based. They don't have taps, they really are early parts but they do have plugs. to be honest though, the plug is essentially useless as there will be so much silt inside it that if you do manage to get it unscrewed nothing will come out through it and you could probably run the engine without the plug fitted with no problem (nobody try that by the way).

Yes you can drain the coolant through the sensor fitting, that's where the original rad drain was anyway. It's very easy to remove, it just pushes into the rubber grommet that is there and is held by a clip (if your rad has been replaced it may have an aftermarket and more reliable threaded sensor that will need unscrewing).

It's not that bizarre to have no block drain, most engines don't and it's not exactly in a useful place even when it is fitted. Partly because it's right round the back of the engine but mostly because it's not the lowest point in the system. Draining from the rad makes a lot more sense.

[decampos]

Cheers for the advice Dan. The only engines I've worked on have been biggish to big types which have always had a tap to drain the block. I wasn't thinking that maybe a small engine won't necessarily need one.

Is there an ideal spot for sticking a garden hose into the system?
Thanks in advance

[Spinksta]

Cheers for the advice Dan. The only engines I've worked on have been biggish to big types which have always had a tap to drain the block. I wasn't thinking that maybe a small engine won't necessarily need one.

Is there an ideal spot for sticking a garden hose into the system?
Thanks in advance

In case you haven't sorted it yet...
I found that the best place was the heater hose tap on the front top left corner of the head. Undo the spring clip securing the heater hose onto the tap, pull the hose off and stick your garden hose onto the tap. Mine was a perfect fit. Just stand back a bit!
(you'll need to have the heater control knob set to the 'on' or 'heat' position in the car)