Draining coolant on cylinder head change...

Phoenix

This is the most annoying thing ever, but hello to the forum, im new and i can see this place being very handy in the future!

Now my question, im trying to drain the coolant on a 2001 2.2 Vectra. Everywhere i see (internet, haynes manual) just says "remove the radiator hose" with no diagram, instrcutions or otherwise.

The only large radiator hose i can see is buried under the battery tray on the N/S of the car. It also isnt at the bottom of the rad, its halfway down. The only pipes i can see at the bottom are air-con pipes and i cant get to most of these without pulling off the bumper.

It appears that if that is the correct pipe, then when its pulled off, coolant is going to pour all over the frame and other parts of the car before hitting the floor. is this correct? :S

Any help would be appreciated, the Haynes manual also made reference to removing the plug from the coolant pump housing... ive not even started looking for this yet. 🙁

JohnnyN

Hello and welcome. That bottom hose is a right pig to remove. It is retained with a spring clip that needs to be compressed to remove. I accessed mine from under the car led on my back. Cut my hads to pieces and vowed never to attempt again for what it costs to get someone else to do it. I've taken the drain plug out from the water pump before and that's a pain too. The last time Daz changed it he left it where it was.

The coolant will spill everywhere over the frame. Its just how it is.

:wink:

astra22bertoneauto

If you are lucky to have a drain valve on the radiator you can just open the Red valve and coolant will drain straight onto the floor.....

JohnnyN

No such luck on the Vectra.

Phoenix

Cheers guys, at least i know im looking in the right place.

The easiest way to do it i can see is to take the battery tray off also, which gives much easier access, so i'll try that. At least i know im looking at the correct one! 😃