HELP! Draining Stratus cooling system

[Alan Beagley]

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]

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

 

[Mike Behnke]

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.

 

[Chris Mauritz]

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

 

[Icky]

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.