Help with Draining Cooling System

Billy Shears · Post by **Billy Shears** » Sun Feb 26, 2012 2:52 pm

Hello Forum

Can someone plse advise what make/type of coolant to purchase for my Marina 1974 1.3 Coupe - Also, the strength required on filling (50/50?)

In addition can anyone advise where the cylinder block drain plus is situated and what this actually looks like

Thanks, Billy S

ScreamingLordStokes · Post by **ScreamingLordStokes** » Sun Feb 26, 2012 3:50 pm

Hi Billy, Bluecol antifreeze is good if you can find some - its already the correct strength to put straight in and is good for five years, whereas some of the other brands like Carplan Bluestar are concentrated so you have to mix it with water and it is only good for two years.
Whatever you do make sure you don't use the orange or red coloured antifreezes as they can be corrosive to older engines.
Hope this helps

JubileeNut · Post by **JubileeNut** » Sun Feb 26, 2012 5:22 pm

Block drain is on the dizzy side on the 1800 B series near the oil feed for the filter. Just a flat plug in the side.
Some do block up and mine was so blocked I could only unblock it when I had the head off and engine in bits.

Not sure if 1.3 is the same though.

ScreamingLordStokes · Post by **ScreamingLordStokes** » Sun Feb 26, 2012 5:59 pm

On the A-series the drain plug is on the right hand side of the block (just in front of the engine back plate) if you are stood in front of the car with the bonnet open looking at the engine (the opposite of the B series).

black tulip tc · Post by **black tulip tc** » Sun Feb 26, 2012 6:25 pm

I just slip the bottom radiator hose off to drain out the coolant

Simples

Dave B.

Post by **balmy** » Sun Feb 26, 2012 6:27 pm

black tulip tc wrote:I just slip the bottom radiator hose off to drain out the coolant Simples

Dave B.

Same here-then a good flush through.

Post by **MarinaCoupe** » Sun Feb 26, 2012 6:28 pm

Same here.

Chris
www.marinacoupe.co.uk

MARINAMAN480 · Post by **MARINAMAN480** » Sun Feb 26, 2012 6:48 pm

same here drain out from bottom hose and flush through with hose pipe.

JubileeNut · Post by **JubileeNut** » Sun Feb 26, 2012 7:53 pm

It is a good idea to remove the drain plug on the block - a. to see if it is block as this tells you you have a lot of sludge in the block. b. it does drain the engine more completely.

But I would imagine a good flush and the lower hose will also be good.

One thing is how do you stop the coolant going everywhere as I have tried a few methods but always end up with some on the inner wing etc.
I am planning to fit a tap on my drain plug on the block so I can attach a hose to it and then work out some way of ducting the water away from the paint work as it does damage it.

ScreamingLordStokes · Post by **ScreamingLordStokes** » Mon Feb 27, 2012 4:08 pm

Paul have you tried one of those proper antifreeze draining containers? They are like a large pan with a spout that fits right underneath the hose or drian plug that you undo which in theory is supposed to catch all the fluid and stop it spilling out all over the place. Might get one in time for draining the system to fit the new heater hoses. Not sure how successful they are though.

Post by **MarinaCoupe** » Mon Feb 27, 2012 4:47 pm

I have one they still splash just not as much.

Chris
www.marinacoupe.co.uk

JubileeNut · Post by **JubileeNut** » Mon Feb 27, 2012 7:53 pm

I think I will make a custom pan which will catch all or direct it away from the car.

Got my new car cover today after a 2 month wait, should keep the car warm in the garage

minispeedstar · Post by **minispeedstar** » Mon Feb 27, 2012 8:41 pm

Just a note ref Bluecol Antifreeze

Bluecol was bought by Tetrosyl some years ago (Carplan in other words) so is no longer the bluecol of yesteryear, u might just aswell buy the bluestar or simular as its the same stuff in a cheaper bottle, (as quoted by Tetrosyl rep)

all your paying the extra for now is the name. check the address on the bottle

ScreamingLordStokes · Post by **ScreamingLordStokes** » Mon Feb 27, 2012 9:22 pm

Hmm, it seems after Googling Bluecol antifeeze that Tetrosyl produce a number of coolants under the Bluecol name, the one I use is Bluecol U which is good to -37 degrees, comes ready to pour straight in, and can be left in the system for 5 years. They also do a (presumably cheaper) Bluecol 2yr which I suppose will be the same as the Bluestar stuff.
Also if you have a Wilkinsons hardware shop in your area they reduce Bluecol U dramatically at the end of the winter to clear their stocks. I bought mine for 75p a bottle from there last year, I wouldn't pay the usual price of nearly four quid a litre!

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