S type V6 Cooling

[oldtimer]

Morning Mike,
Last evening I posted a question in regard to draining Anti Freeze.

Regrettably I pressed the wrong button and it ended up on the XK120/140 board.

Basically I've drained 11pts (from the drain tap at the base of the radiator) total 18pts and the drain has run dry so only about 2/3 out.

Althougth I don't expect to get it all out a little more would help

My question was in respect to the heater/ water control valve cos I suspect a fair amout is trapped in the heater

If you could look at the other post and give me your thoughts I would appreciate it.

Many thanks Oldtimer --- now back to the garage

[Martec]

Hi Oldtimer,

I did this job last November and remember that like other modern engines before that not all the jacket water came out, so as with those engines I refilled the engine with fresh water, squeezing the hoses to get all the air out, then starting the engine until I could feel the cabin air getting warm (the water was flushing the heater circuit). I stopped the engine and left it to cool a little and then drained it down again. I repeated this until the water was relatively clear of orange colour.

My earlier system takes 10.4 ltrs and knowing that more than 50% antifreeze starts to raise rather than lower the freezing temperature, I then after draining, refilled with 4.5 ltrs of 5 year OAT antifreeze (same spec as other modern cars) and topped up with water.

I have a dread of the the car locking me out when the engine runs so always lower the drivers window to get at the ignition key.

The heater valve is controlled by 2 solenoids, and the 4 ltr (not 3ltr ) engine has an extra circulation pump I think.

Our local tip will take antifreeze, as they don't like you putting it down the drains, I took it in old oil cans.

Best of luck.

Brian

[J44EAG]

There must be a couple of drain taps there on the block, Phil.

Got to be there somewhere or drop a hose or two.

Only wish I could help. Getting too old for this down and under caper.

Mike

[oldtimer]

What Oh Mike,
Like your self, getting to old to get under,or to get over come to that! If I did'nt have the lift I am sure I would have knocked this malarky on the head years ago.

Where were we, so I had a search around underneath and I could'nt find any drain points other than the one used on the near side bottom of the radiator. I have removed the panels beneath the radiator and engine for access. The drain comprises of a vertical plug with a small stub pipe which exhausts to the left. All plastic of course. When released anti freeze pours out from the stub pipe and down the bung threads in all directions. So the bucket is needed to prevent a another right old mess. Even the bottom hose does,nt go to the bottom of the radiator would you believe. It goes to about a 1/3 up the left hand header tank, it's a cross flow rad of course. I tried switching the ignition on and selecting max heat to see if the heater water valve would open and allow a little more fluid out, but nothing. I could do with a schematic of the heating system. Had I not measured the anti freeze being drained off I would probably have been satisfied that it was suitably drained.

As the fluid drained looked clean enough and is not yet near recommended life I have refilled with new Anti Freeze and accept the situation. It is the anti corrosive package within the anti freeze that is needed and I am happy that the mix will be just fine.

Thats enough on that and thanks to Mike and Martec for your help
Oldtimer
PS Martec I could have adopted your method which is probably not a bad idea but dobtless I would have flooded the garage and been up to my knees in water! That would certainly have earned some demerit points