Coolant during an IMG change

1250 Views 8 Replies 6 Participants Last post by CrazyFig, Apr 12, 2013

Lukas

Discussion Starter · Sep 17, 2010

Evening,

Im helping another member to change the inlet manifold gasket on their zr 120 tomorrow - but having never done this before, a few questions please ( as it isnt my car and isnt on my driveway - im being extra cautious :lol: )

I have read through rover_kings guide so have a good idea as what to do - but the main worry is the coolant

I know to drain the coolant beforehand by disconnecting the lower hose to the radiator .... but is it really as simple as just pulling it out and waiting until nothing else comes out then pushing it back on?
I assume as coolant is poisonous it needs to be poured into something when it is coming out of the system - how much coolant could I expect roughly to come out ? ( so I know what size container to use )

Once the IMG's been changed and we're pouring coolant back into the system, I've seen 1955diesels post on doing this which seems extremely useful, but do we do it with the car keys in the engine set to position 2 (i.e. so engines not running, but the heaters are blowing) or with the car totally 'off' (i.e. no keys in the igntion barrel)

Just to make myself sound even more stupid .... is the header tank the coolant expansion tank? :err: :getcoat: (im sure it is - but just want to be 100% sure :lol:

)

thanks,
Luke

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JustTimo

· #2 · Sep 17, 2010

whilst oyu drain the coolant, have a hose running under the care to dilute the coolant, it is poisonous to an extent but this should dilute it so its harmless.

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WillyHeckaslike

· #3 · Sep 17, 2010 (Edited)

Is it really as simple as just pulling it out and waiting until nothing else comes out then pushing it back on?

Yes.

How much coolant could I expect roughly to come out so I know what size container to use?

About 5 litres in total but you won't get it all out, a washing dish should be ok.

Do we fill it with the car totally 'off' (i.e. no keys in the igntion barrel)

Yes.

Is the header tank the coolant expansion tank?

Yes.

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Lukas

Discussion Starter · #4 · Sep 17, 2010

Timotey said:
whilst oyu drain the coolant, have a hose running under the care to dilute the coolant, it is poisonous to an extent but this should dilute it so its harmless.

Thanks mate, unfortunately we arent doing it on my driveway so I dont know if this members driveway had a hose at the front of the house etc. which is why I would prefer to collect the coolant ( just to be on the safe side)

WillyHeckaslike said:
Yes.

Just over 5 litres in total but you won't get it all out, a washing dish should be ok.

Yes.

Yes.

Thanks Will

Luke

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technozen

· #5 · Sep 17, 2010

I have never drained the coolant when doing this job.

Disconnect the small expansion pipe from the coolant tank. Unbolt the tank and lift it off it's mounting backet then position the tank as low as possible leaving the cap tightened and the large hose still connected.

Very little coolant will escape when you remove the inlet manifold, replace the gasket etc. and when finished refit the tank and top up as necessary.

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Lukas

Discussion Starter · #6 · Sep 18, 2010

technozen said:
I have never drained the coolant when doing this job.

Disconnect the small expansion pipe from the coolant tank. Unbolt the tank and lift it off it's mounting backet then position the tank as low as possible leaving the cap tightened and the large hose still connected.

Very little coolant will escape when you remove the inlet manifold, replace the gasket etc. and when finished refit the tank and top up as necessary.

Thanks Paul, that sounds alot simpler than draining the coolant, but is there any risk of doing damage by not draining it ?

Reading through the guide - 1 member says they managed to get water into the cylinders ( link ) which would end up being more of a pain to do than if coolant was drained out to start with

thanks,
Luke

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CrazyFig

· #7 · Apr 12, 2013

Time to revive this thread. How did the change go? Im in the same boat...and have heard, as mentioned via the link, coolant can get into the cylinders. If possible..I would really like to not have to replace all the coolant...but like you say....worried this method causes coolant to run into a cylinder...

Tried to find a guide on the forum for coolant bleeding and replacing of coolant...but no luck

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Mike T

· #8 · Apr 12, 2013

CrazyFig said:
Time to revive this thread. How did the change go? Im in the same boat...and have heard, as mentioned via the link, coolant can get into the cylinders. If possible..I would really like to not have to replace all the coolant...but like you say....worried this method causes coolant to run into a cylinder...

Tried to find a guide on the forum for coolant bleeding and replacing of coolant...but no luck

It is possible for coolant to run into a cylinder or two via open inlet valves. If you drain the coolant, you eliminate this possibility. I appreciate that it also may not happen but I'm a belt and braces man. Coolant in a cylinder could cause a hydrostatic lock and further damage (broken rings etc.), when trying to start up on completion.

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CrazyFig

· #9 · Apr 12, 2013

Thanks Mike, no shortcuts for me then! Will dash to the auto shop for some coolant first thing tomorrow morning and drain the system and refill, bleed once completed.

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