draining coolent - Car Troubleshooting


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chili34
Novice

Apr 2, 2009, 11:20 AM

Post #1 of 3 (1157 views)

draining coolent	Sign In

2003 Honda
Element
4 cyl
23000 (yes 23000)

I want to drain and replace the anti freeze in my 5 year old Honda, but there is no pet cock on the radiator that I can find. How do you drain all the coolant in the engine block and radiator. Is there a simple way to do this or is it necessary to pull the bottom hose? You would think that a manufacturer that specifies replacing coolant every 5 years would have put in a way to do it easily. Honda also requires using their brand anti freeze as any other may cause a breakdown of something. Oh yea, and there stuff costs over $21.00 a gallon (50/50).
chili34

dmac0923
Enthusiast

Apr 2, 2009, 12:18 PM

Post #2 of 3 (1155 views)

Re: draining coolent	Sign In

besides the fact that it could be very hard to find a petcock in itself, ive seen some radiator drains as a plug with either a hex bolt head on it or a torx head that you need to unscrew.

or if you lose patience you can just undo the bottom hose and that will get most of the coolant.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Apr 3, 2009, 7:45 AM

Post #3 of 3 (1146 views)

Re: draining coolent	Sign In

chili:

Aren't you beyond what Honda tells you what YOU have to buy?

There are several brand names that claim right on package they meet or exceed (usually exceed) specs for OE and they will list any exceptions. Peak, Prestone, others make a lifetime (I guess they come kill you if something goes wrong

) EG antifreeze full strength for under $20 bucks right now.

Colorless is becoming popular so you can add to any and not mess up color which doesn't matter by itself as it's only dye.

If you can - do a thermostat too as it's best to flush with it out. To achieve the suggested 50/50 mix look up the system capacity in owner's manual and put the concentrate in first to exactly half then fill with water. Some will make a valid claim that using distilled water is a benefit and I tend to agree if water quality is unknown that you are using.

Keep in mind most engines will not drain 100% without looking for and removing block plugs which is unnecessary for routine maintenance IMO unless a problem is seen,

T

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