Coolant Drain EA81

David D · Post by **David D** » Sat Oct 29, 2011 10:57 am

Hi Guys

I will soon be replacing the coolant on my Brumby, along with a heater control valve. The Gregory's manual refers to drain plugs in the block but only has a pic of an EA82. Does the EA81 have drain plugs and, if so, roughly where are they? I stuck my head under for a quick look but I couldn't see anything obvious. Also, is it a good idea to use these or is it just as good to use the drain tap (or bottom hose) and leave the plugs alone?

Any advice appreciated

Cheers

David

Post by **TOONGA** » Sat Oct 29, 2011 11:12 am

just remove the radiator hoses (have something to catch the old coolant) and the thermostat from the housing (make sure you have a new gasket and you could put in a new thermostat) as you are replacing the heater control unit stick a hose into the heater core and flush it out (a gentle flow from the hose is fine) then stick the hose into the engine side of the heater hose and flush it back into the block.

Once you have done all of that use a radiator flush treatment (follow the directions)

then put in your new coolant and away you go

TOONGA

sven '2' · Post by **sven '2'** » Sat Oct 29, 2011 12:49 pm

^^^ good advice

The drain plugs are sometimes plastic, and can snap off in your hands, making a simple flush and coolant change a nightmare.

Venom · Post by **Venom** » Sat Oct 29, 2011 12:56 pm

There is a plug on the bottom of each head, the drivers side plug is towards the front of the car and the passender side is towards the rear. Stick your head under the car and you will see them.

Oh those plugs could also be cross threaded like one of mine was. Drill - tap - helicoil insert - problem solved.

David D · Post by **David D** » Sat Oct 29, 2011 5:23 pm

Thanks for that.

Toonga, sorry if this is a silly question, but does removing the thermostat help the coolant drain out? Or is it just good practice to renew it?

Cheers

David

steptoe · Post by **steptoe** » Sat Oct 29, 2011 6:07 pm

14mm socket on EA81,82 and often the thread is corroding away, the passage is blocked above the plug and not the easiset to repair thread in-car , all said and told it is a good draining location.