On a cylinder head removal, do you have to drain the coolant

On a cylinder head removal, do you have to drain the coolant

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Acheron

Original Poster:

643 posts

165 months

Saturday 25th December 2010
quotequote all
The Haynes manual is telling me to drain the coolant, however its only instruction is 'remove the hose from the left of the radiator'.

There's no diagram, no picture, no in depth location for this, it doesnt even say left as you look to the car or left as youre sat in it.

I cant find the elusive hose anywhere, does it make a difference if it is not drained off?

2.2 Vectra B.

Larry Dickman

3,762 posts

219 months

Saturday 25th December 2010
quotequote all
Just remove the bottom large rad hose which ever side it is on.

Eggman

1,253 posts

212 months

Saturday 25th December 2010
quotequote all
Best to drain it, otherwise you'll end up contaminating the oilways with water as you remove the head and it'll go in the cylinders.

ETA: If you drain it carefully you'll be able to put it back in. Also, if you spill any (and you will), be sure to hose the area down when you've finished - it's poisonous to animals.

Edited by Eggman on Saturday 25th December 12:54

twazzock

1,930 posts

170 months

Saturday 25th December 2010
quotequote all
Only on Pistonheads would someone ask a question like this on Christmas day hehe

Acheron

Original Poster:

643 posts

165 months

Saturday 25th December 2010
quotequote all
twazzock said:
Only on Pistonheads would someone ask a question like this on Christmas day hehe
I start work at 3, ive got no family, no christmas dinner on the go, just me here, it seems sense to get a little dirty and have a mess with the engine :P

Pushrod-Power

233 posts

186 months

Saturday 25th December 2010
quotequote all
Larry Dickman said:
Just remove the bottom large rad hose which ever side it is on.
what he said for a Ecotec.

hidetheelephants

24,434 posts

194 months

Saturday 25th December 2010
quotequote all
Pushrod-Power said:
Larry Dickman said:
Just remove the bottom large rad hose which ever side it is on.
what he said for a Ecotec.
Doesn't have to be the radiator end either; if the lowest coolant hose entry on the engine is easier to get at, remove that instead. Collect in a washing up basin or something and reuse unless it's more than 2 years old. I take it you've had a bit of a thaw round your gaff if you can cope with alfresco spanner twirling?

CraigyMc

16,417 posts

237 months

Saturday 25th December 2010
quotequote all
Acheron said:
The Haynes manual is telling me to drain the coolant, however its only instruction is 'remove the hose from the left of the radiator'.

does it make a difference if it is not drained off?
If you don't, it will result in something that looks a little bit like this:


(Elise K-series rover HGF repair)

A bit of a PITA to clean up, to be honest.

C

Edited by CraigyMc on Saturday 25th December 13:48

busta

4,504 posts

234 months

Saturday 25th December 2010
quotequote all
You're removing the cylinder head but you don't know how to drain the coolant? Left and right always refer to facing the direction of travel in haynes manuals.

Carrot

7,294 posts

203 months

Saturday 25th December 2010
quotequote all
busta said:
You're removing the cylinder head but you don't know how to drain the coolant? Left and right always refer to facing the direction of travel in haynes manuals.
I was about to say...

In my mind a HG replacement is quite a tricky job - are you sure you are ready to attempt it? (No disrespect intended, just for your sanity and the car engines sake!)

curlie467

7,650 posts

202 months

Saturday 25th December 2010
quotequote all
busta said:
You're removing the cylinder head but you don't know how to drain the coolant? Left and right always refer to facing the direction of travel in haynes manuals.
This is what concerns me! why are you removing the head and if you are doing an hg change then are you goin to getthe head checked or just risk it?

BadgerBenji

3,524 posts

219 months

Saturday 25th December 2010
quotequote all
When is thread beginning on how to remove/align the cambelt/chain?

Which vehicle is this fitted to?

CraigyMc

16,417 posts

237 months

Saturday 25th December 2010
quotequote all
BadgerBenji said:
When is thread beginning on how to remove/align the cambelt/chain?

Which vehicle is this fitted to?
2.2 Vectra B.

And yes, I was surprised too...


steveo3002

10,534 posts

175 months

Saturday 25th December 2010
quotequote all
yes id agree with the others , if pulling a rad rose isnt crystal clear to you , you mind end up in trouble

haynes arent that great anyway , plus you need to read between the lines and its often wrong /duff info

davepoth

29,395 posts

200 months

Saturday 25th December 2010
quotequote all
I'd collect the coolant anyway - It'll freeze this evening if it goes on the driveway, which won't be fun.

CraigyMc

16,417 posts

237 months

Saturday 25th December 2010
quotequote all
davepoth said:
I'd collect the coolant anyway - It'll freeze this evening if it goes on the driveway, which won't be fun.
? I'd have thought it wouldn't freeze. It shouldn't anyway!

davepoth

29,395 posts

200 months

Saturday 25th December 2010
quotequote all
depends - If the OP is up north and rural the temperature is supposed to be well below -10, so there's quite a chance that the temp could go low enough to freeze a 25% mix.

jeff m

4,060 posts

259 months

Saturday 25th December 2010
quotequote all
I share the same concerns as voiced by many, I did actually check the Calendar to make sure it was Christmas and not April 1st.
However, everyone has to start sometime.
May I suggest, lots of pics with your digi camera. Start with it on number one. Do not move the crank/pistons do not mess with head. Take it off/put it back.
I usually hit the solonoid to pop a head after the bolts are out, someone may suggest that, don't do it. Keep everything aligned.
You are going to need a torque wrench !
We are going to take the pee, but you will get help.

Good luck.

Biker's Nemesis

38,682 posts

209 months

Saturday 25th December 2010
quotequote all
CraigyMc said:
davepoth said:
I'd collect the coolant anyway - It'll freeze this evening if it goes on the driveway, which won't be fun.
? I'd have thought it wouldn't freeze. It shouldn't anyway!
Are you saying anti freeze doesn't freeze.

TheLurker

1,371 posts

197 months

Saturday 25th December 2010
quotequote all
Biker's Nemesis said:
CraigyMc said:
davepoth said:
I'd collect the coolant anyway - It'll freeze this evening if it goes on the driveway, which won't be fun.
? I'd have thought it wouldn't freeze. It shouldn't anyway!
Are you saying anti freeze doesn't freeze.
Shouldn't.

Good luck OP. I was thinking about starting the timing belt change earlier, but the thought of the looks I would receive from the neighbours (already think I'm a bit car mad, to say the least) and the scotch I got earlier made me think twice. Tomorrow it is then!