HELP! Draining Stratus cooling system

Discussion in 'General Motoring' started by Alan Beagley, Oct 22, 2003.

  1. Alan Beagley

    Alan Beagley Guest

    I am trying to drain the cooling system of my '96 Stratus 2.5L so I can
    put in enough antifreeze to get through the winter. The temp. is
    supposed to drop below freezing tonight, and I am certain the system
    doesn't have enough antifreeze.

    I've been turning and turning the draincock (yes: counterlockwise), but
    no coolant is coming out. How many turns should it take? Should I be
    able to see the moving part coming out away from the radiator support?
    Should I be able to poke a wire up through the hole in the bottom once
    the draincock is open? (I can push it only a little more than an inch.)
    I have removed the radiator cap, so there's no vacuum to keep the
    coolant from draining.

    A Google search revealed that at least one person gave up trying to
    drain the system through the draincock and disconnected the bottom hose
    instead -- but that is perhaps even more difficult to get at.

    Looks as though I may have to run a fan-heater in the engine compartment
    tonight.

    -=-
    Alan
     
    Alan Beagley, Oct 22, 2003
    #1
  2. Alan Beagley

    Alan Beagley Guest

    It would have been nice if the manual had told me that the draincock was
    supposed to turn only 1/4 turn: I did wonder whether that was the case,
    but assumed that if that were so coolant would start running out after
    1/4 turn (like a household gas shut-off valve). What a pity they didn't
    say to pull it out after the 1/4 turn -- although I can't see how I
    would get anything in there to pull it out.

    Anyway, I took the easy way out and had JiffyLube work their wonders on it.

    (BTW, I found by trial and error that socket-extension-universal worked
    much better than socket-universal-extension; then I could use another
    extension + handle plugged into the universal.)

    -=-
    Alan
     
    Alan Beagley, Oct 22, 2003
    #2
  3. Alan Beagley

    Mike Behnke Guest

    Alan;

    I'd be more worried about spot overheating if you're low on coolant /
    anti-freeze.

    The anti-freeze properties reduce the temperature where the coolant
    will freeze. A 50/50 mixture of ethylene glycol to water will typically
    protect the coolant from freezing down to around -34F. Bump the mixture
    to 60/40, and the freeze point drops even further.
     
    Mike Behnke, Oct 22, 2003
    #3
  4. However, the higher the glycol/water ratio, the poorer the solution acts
    as a coolant. Unless you live in an area that experiences arctic
    temperatures, you're better off using a 50/50 mixture.

    Cheers,

    C
     
    Chris Mauritz, Oct 22, 2003
    #4
  5. Alan Beagley

    Icky Guest

    Alan:
    I can relate my experience replacing the coolant on my 97 Cirrus 2.5L this
    summer. I assume your vehicle is the same setup.

    I used the procedure in my Chilton's manual which calls for removing the
    right front fog light, then using a 19mm socket with 3/8" universal joint
    and 3" extension. The draincock turns only 1/4 turn CCW, then you should be
    able to pull it straight out. I didn't know this either, and mashed mine
    up. But the dealer had a new one for $8 Canadian, so it wasn't too bad. I
    think it should drain some without removing it, but it may be clogged with
    sediment.

    If you've been turning and turning it, it might be a good idea to pick up a
    new draincock at dealer before attempting to pull it out. The plastic
    threads strip if turned too far. <voice of experience>

    Norm.
     
    Icky, Oct 23, 2003
    #5
Ask a Question

Want to reply to this thread or ask your own question?

You'll need to choose a username for the site, which only take a couple of moments (here). After that, you can post your question and our members will help you out.