Block Drain Plug?
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Block Drain Plug?
Hi Guys, sorry for the dumb question. I have a 97 Powerstroke which I am changing the antifreeze in. I can't find any obvious drain on the block. Will the block drain through the radiator drain or am I just missing it. Thanks for any help you can give.
Ed
Ed
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From: Cabot, Arkansas
There are two block drains. One is directly above the oil filter head. There are two plugs there, the coolant drain is the smaller of the two and to the rear. The other drain is in the same place as the first, on the opposite bank....right above the starter.
The block will not completely drain through the radiator, but if you flush it a few times you can get all the old stuff out.
The block will not completely drain through the radiator, but if you flush it a few times you can get all the old stuff out.
Last edited by cookie88; Feb 9, 2006 at 09:18 PM.
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Joined: May 2001
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From: Cabot, Arkansas
Hi Ed.
Since your two posts are basically the same question I merged them into a single thread.
To drain the block locate the block drain plugs I mentioned in my first reply and remove them.
Since your two posts are basically the same question I merged them into a single thread.
To drain the block locate the block drain plugs I mentioned in my first reply and remove them.
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Scott, sorry about the double post. I did the first one and went back shortly after that and couldn't find it. I probably just overlooked it. Thanks for the information. I appreciate it.
Take care,
Ed
Take care,
Ed
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'95 Psd
Scott, I went looking for the block drains on my '95 PSD. Saw two drain plugs near oil filter - the smaller one appears to be 1/4" square drive and to the upper right of the filter. On the other side, the starter blocked my view but looks like there's some sort of a hex drive plug above starter. What do you all think?
I'd rather not mess with those plugs. They don't look like they've been touched in years. Scott, you mentioned if you flush it a few times, that would probably work too. I'm assuming you were saying you could do that without removing the plugs.
So after flushing, the engine would be full of plain tap water. I guess I would have to overcompensate with the coolant mix to achieve the proper ratio. Then add the SCA. I would just have to live with non-distilled water in my system.
Just trying to find a good alternative to flushing the system without removing those plugs. I've also read many threads but I'm not sure if most of you remove those plugs. Thanks.
I'd rather not mess with those plugs. They don't look like they've been touched in years. Scott, you mentioned if you flush it a few times, that would probably work too. I'm assuming you were saying you could do that without removing the plugs.
So after flushing, the engine would be full of plain tap water. I guess I would have to overcompensate with the coolant mix to achieve the proper ratio. Then add the SCA. I would just have to live with non-distilled water in my system.
Just trying to find a good alternative to flushing the system without removing those plugs. I've also read many threads but I'm not sure if most of you remove those plugs. Thanks.
Playing in the Dirt
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Southwest Georgia
Go to your parts store and get a flush kit with the T fitting and hose attachment and a bottle of radiator flush. Drain your radiator, remove your lower hose to make sure you get as much out as possible, install the flush kit T into your heater hose, attach a garden hose, turn on and flush the engine for a couple of minutes. Close everything back up, put in some water, add radiator flush, fill with water, and then follow directions on the bottle as how long to run the engine.
Drain and flush this out (with the hose again). Refill with water, drive it a little, drain and flush this out (again with the hose). then add your coolant and top off with water. Your done.
Drain and flush this out (with the hose again). Refill with water, drive it a little, drain and flush this out (again with the hose). then add your coolant and top off with water. Your done.
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Mountain Pass
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From: LaFargeville, New York
I removed the plug by the oil filter. It came out pretty easy with my 1/4" drive, even with 211,000 miles on it. It drained it completely too, then I ran the water in it to flush it out.
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yo yo ma
Yeah, the flush kit, now I remember. If I think it's what yur talking about, I used to install a plastic T fitting, made by Prestone, in one of my heater hoses on my '72 Nova years ago when I was a teenager. Garden hose screws right on it.
Walt, I'm asssuming you only removed one drain plug and not the one near the starter. Also, I guess the 1/4" drive one on my block is probably the drain plug. Wonder what the other plug is for!
Just out of curiousity, do you all dump the old coolant down the toilet on not. Was reading the labels on the coolant containers and they mention some jurisdictions allow this in their sanitary (not stormwater) systems.
Walt, I'm asssuming you only removed one drain plug and not the one near the starter. Also, I guess the 1/4" drive one on my block is probably the drain plug. Wonder what the other plug is for!
Just out of curiousity, do you all dump the old coolant down the toilet on not. Was reading the labels on the coolant containers and they mention some jurisdictions allow this in their sanitary (not stormwater) systems.
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From: Cabot, Arkansas
Originally Posted by PSD350
Scott, I went looking for the block drains on my '95 PSD. Saw two drain plugs near oil filter - the smaller one appears to be 1/4" square drive and to the upper right of the filter. On the other side, the starter blocked my view but looks like there's some sort of a hex drive plug above starter. What do you all think?
I'd rather not mess with those plugs. They don't look like they've been touched in years. Scott, you mentioned if you flush it a few times, that would probably work too. I'm assuming you were saying you could do that without removing the plugs.
So after flushing, the engine would be full of plain tap water. I guess I would have to overcompensate with the coolant mix to achieve the proper ratio. Then add the SCA. I would just have to live with non-distilled water in my system.
Just trying to find a good alternative to flushing the system without removing those plugs. I've also read many threads but I'm not sure if most of you remove those plugs. Thanks.
I'd rather not mess with those plugs. They don't look like they've been touched in years. Scott, you mentioned if you flush it a few times, that would probably work too. I'm assuming you were saying you could do that without removing the plugs.
So after flushing, the engine would be full of plain tap water. I guess I would have to overcompensate with the coolant mix to achieve the proper ratio. Then add the SCA. I would just have to live with non-distilled water in my system.
Just trying to find a good alternative to flushing the system without removing those plugs. I've also read many threads but I'm not sure if most of you remove those plugs. Thanks.
Going that route I would add 3 gallons of straight coolant before adding any more water. Then premix a gallon of 50/50 to top it off.
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