2.9 Coolent draining question

[Sultan]

The shop manual says to remove the engine block drain plug when draining coolent. Where is the plug located?

Thanks. RS

 

[adsm08]

Behind the starter. Will get pics.

 

[adsm08]

These are looking down at the bottom of the driver's side of the block. It is stripped and upside down on my stand.

This one is normally oriented because I turned the camera upside down and stuck in against the wall.

The little bolt that is barely visible through 20 years of road grime, right next to the rearmost freeze plug is what you seek. It is just above the starter directly opposite the oil filter adapter and the starter needs to be removed to get at it.

 

[Sultan]

Hummm....did I need to drain it there?

Are you rebuilding your engine?

 

[adsm08]

If you are just changing the coolant, just drain the radiator with a heater hose opened up. If you are replacing a head or head gasket, draining the block will help, but it isn't needed.

About the only time it's really necessary to drain the block that way is if you put something like VC-9 iron cleaner in it.

And no, I probably will not rebuild that engine. That's the old one from my Ranger. I replaced it with another rebuilt unit and tore it down just to see.

 

[Sultan]

Thanks!!

 

[AllanD]

On all of my 2.9's there were drain plugs on BOTH sides of the block