best way to remove at least 1 gallon of coolant

[suitcasejefferson]

What is the best way to remove at least one gallon of coolant from my 1.4? I have finally flushed it enough that the distilled water in the reservoir stays clean after nearly a week of short trips, so I hope I've got most of the dexcool out. I'm replacing it with yellow Prestone concentrate. I want to put in one gallon of it, which will be just over a 50/50 mix. I cannot find a lower radiator hose I can get to without doing a whole lot of disassembly, and I can't find a drain. I have removed the plastic panel under the front end. Just filling the reservoir to the "full hot" line takes almost 3 qts. so it doesn't need to be much more. If I can't drain it out, I may have to remove the thermostat and blow it out with compressed air.

 

[Blue Moon Sonic]

There should be a drain plug on the radiator over on the passenger side. I had to drain the system the first time when I was replacing my turbo 2-3 years ago. Would be nice if these blocks had a drain plug on them for the coolant, If it did, I would probably experiment with Evans Waterless in this car.

 

[Papasonic]

On our 2012, 1.8 auto, there was was a drain valve on the lower passenger side of the radiator. You must first remove some of the splash panels under the bumper. One hidden screw is accessible from the lower front of the bumper to remove the panel. Once you get these shields removed, you may be able to remove the lower hose instead.

 

[5.0]

The drain valve is on the lower passenger side. I had to remove the shield and loosen off the inner wheel well liner and pull it down and out of the way to reach the drain. It's not a standard 1/4 turn pet****. Its just like a normal bolt. Even with the plastics removed it still a pain in the ass to get to.


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[suitcasejefferson]

Thanks for all the information. I will make an attempt to do this tomorrow. Would it make it easier to remove the right front wheel?

 

[Papasonic]

Thanks for all the information. I will make an attempt to do this tomorrow. Would it make it easier to remove the right front wheel?

I don't believe that you would gain much by removing the wheel; might get a better view or angle of attack if you do so.

 

[5.0]

Like Papasonic said, removing the front wheel won't give you a better attack angle, but just might give you an easier view.

You could remove the lower rad hose, but be aware the factory uses a one-time-use crimp on clamp. Not a worm gear clamp. So have another clamp on hand.

 

[suitcasejefferson]

Done deal! It was actually a lot easier than I expected, once I located it. I must have been looking right at it at least twice before, and didn't see it. I did remove the wheel, it gave me a lot better light. I had already removed the main center panel. I removed 3 torx screws and pulled the side panel down out of the way. I started loosening the plastic plug with a 14mm box end wrench, then was able to get my hand up in there and get it out. I was happy to see nothing but clear distilled water come out. I put the plug back in, and removed the reservoir. I have it soaking in some SuperClean. When I get it all back together I will put in one gallon yellow Prestone concentrated coolant and finish it up with distilled water. Thanks for all the help. Much appreciated.

 

[sarasube]

noob here,
why not use DEXCOOL or is prestone compatible or better
than oem.

thanks

 

[Gimpster]

You got the same reply in another thread, but there are multiple vendors who sell Dexcool compatible/specification coolants. Prestone being one of them, and they are who I used as well.