Draining Mondeo radiator

[cs02rm0]

Mk3 1.8 petrol. (Overheating with gunk in the coolant tank).

How do I get to the bottom of the radiator? Do I need to jack the car up? Can I get through from the grill or do I have to get the plastic tray off underneath (and how if so)?

Is there a plug or do I need to pull a hose off?

Ta!

[anonymous-user]

I haven't looked at mine but the Mk1 has a drain screw, you need to remove the plastic st shield to get to it.

[cs02rm0]

Found the radiator drain plug, I think, thanks. Managed to get to it just taking off the front grill.

Very bright yellow liquid came out and not very much of it. Bit concerned that someone might've put what looks suspiciously like screenwash in there?

Also took the top pipe off the coolant tank, turned the engine on and nothing came out - is the pump likely to be knackered?

[cs02rm0]

Apparently the gray, emulsified gunk in the coolant tank is a sign of HGF or a cylinder going (2 different mechanics).

I've done at least 300 miles on it so I'm assuming not HGF, but we'll see. Booked into a garage end of next week.

[andy-xr]

It's the most dramatic of diagnosis, but would usually have a few other symptoms as well. I'd do a compression test on it and see what the results are to rule out HGF, chances are some ste mixed up antifreeze has been used in the past