Draining Coolant from Volvo Penta

[MainlySteam]

Have decided it is about time I should replace the coolant in our MD22L engine for the first time (yes it has taken me a long time to get around to this!).

In the user manual it refers to a drain "plug on the right hand side of the engine block". However, on our engine there is no plug, but is instead a hexagonal fitting with a nipple at one end that is screwed into the block and into the other end of the fitting is screwed a hosetail.

Now I assume that this works like the arrangement such as for bleeding brakes on cars, ie just loosen the nipple and the coolant will run out through a piece of hose which one has had the forethought to slip onto the hosetail. However, to save me experimenting and maybe ending up with a handful of fittings, a bilge full of coolant and a distraught look on my face, is anyone familiar with this arrangement and able to confirm my suspicions are correct? One reason I ask is that the hosetail looks just like a plain ordinary hosetail, but there is obviously something inside either the hexagonal fitting or the hosetail which ordinarily blocks the coolant from flowing through them.

Thanks

John

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[tr7v8]

That sounds like a Calirofier <sp!> tapping point which would normally be near or at the drain point. Surprised they've blocked t though unless someone has used it in the past.

<hr width=100% size=1>Jim

Draco 2500

 

[frilaens]

Offhand I can't remember if there is anything inside, but it is the drain. I removed both pieces when I had the motor out and found the hole plugged by sand (mine is seawater cooled). After poking a screwdriver in there the sand flushed out along with the water. I guess the idea is that you can drain through a hose and control or stop the flow so I wouldn't expect anything inside it.

Andy

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[MainlySteam]

Thanks for the replies. It is definitely the drain Jim as the calorifier connections are already used and the fitting is right where the manual shows the drain plug. From Andy's comment it does look like it is a standard VP fitting though, not something the boatbuilder added in his kindness, so I will give the nipple a little turn and if it bleeds all will work as I assumed (like car brake bleed setup) - if not I now know that I can check with the local VP people without them saying "not us!".

Thanks again for the kind assistance

John

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