adding coolant

[alaskaviper]

So I got my engine rebuilt, AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l , and I added coolant to the radiator and got to thinking how do you get coolant into the block? I was thinking ok fill the radiator then when I start it, the thermostat will open and antifreeze will flow in and then I will just add more coolant to radiator as it fills the block.

Is there a different way to get the coolant in the block?

 

[C dubya]

Everything I have read says to fill the radiator then leave the cap off as it reaches operating temp. Then add to the radiator as air escapes and the coolant level in the radiator goes down. Never heard anything different. That's the procedure for after you have drained the system and pulled the block plugs.

 

[JeepBrah]

Everything I have read says to fill the radiator then leave the cap off as it reaches operating temp. Then add to the radiator as air escapes and the coolant level in the radiator goes down. Never heard anything different. That's the procedure for after you have drained the system and pulled the block plugs.

Well-said!

 

[JR74CJ5]

X3. You can get bubbles in the system so just keep an eye on temp an coolent levels for a while dont want to blow that new purdy motor

 

[CJ7inNH]

Glad someone asked about this because I'm about to do a drain-refill myself.

I just got my "new" 85 CJ7 6cyl how last weekend. About a 45 minute ride through back roads at around 35 - 45 mph. Get home and I can feel the heat coming off the hood from a foot away - real hot.

After it cools down I open the radiator cap to find it full - full of water. Overflow tank is dry. No leaks, drips, nothing. OK, strange, but I just want to get some real fluid in there.

Question, I have the shop manual, and have looked all over, but I can't find the engine block plugs. Should I pull them for a drain and refill? Can someone point me in the right direction? There's a lot of crud under there.

Thanks!

 

[alaskaviper]

When I brought mine home it was really hot also. Hood was hot to the touch so I had to use rags to grab the hood and open it. When I drained it, it was filled with water and whatever coolant was left from before. So hopefully now it will run alittle cooler with a rebuild and fresh coolant and new radiator and dual electric fans.

 

[Tommy]

If you don't have engine plugs, the engine will drain though the radiator. The bottom hose from the radiator to engine block is wide open so the engine will drain to that level. You should be able to fill it up, 50/50 anti freeze to water, after you drain it and close the petcock valve. Drive it for 15 minutes. Let it cool then fill it the rest of the way up. Check it again just to make sure after a week. You should also drain and refill the overflow container with 50/50 to the proper level. I just put a new radiator in mine and this worked fine. I also flushed the system out before I started putting in the coolant.

Tommy

 

[CJ7inNH]

Thanks for the reply.

I can't believe how clueless I feel about a radiator.

There are three different valve looking things under my radiator. Two are pretty much equal distance, then a third. One of the two had a lable with a warning on it, but I can't read it.

Any idea on which one I use to drain?
Anything special about opening the drain plug? I really don't want to crack something off (again) and then have to deal with a new radiator.

Sorry about what seems to be a "duh" question.

 

[alaskaviper]

I would say one is the drain for the radiator, probably far left side by the edge. The other two are probably engine/Transmission oil cooler. If you have an automatic Transmission then the line would run in and out of there and the radiator would help cool the Transmission fluid.

 

[JR74CJ5]

I would say one is the drain for the radiator, probably far left side by the edge. The other two are probably engine/Transmission oil cooler. If you have an automatic Transmission then the line would run in and out of there and the radiator would help cool the Transmission fluid.

^^^. What he said,

 

[Tommy]

Only one, mine is on the left side facing the front of the jeep also, should have a butterfly or petcock valve on it. Loosen it as you would a bolt and that should open the drain. The older the radiator the tougher it is to open. Take your time.

Tommy

 

[CJ7inNH]

Yup. Drain on the left/passenger side when facing the Jeep.

Sprayed some PB Blaster on it and let sit for an hour. Came back and it openned right up.

Thanks for the help.

Now to think more about those duel electric fans....