Vp 2003 coolant drain down.

[stu9000]

I have not drained the coolant on my vp2003 since I bought the boat. About 5 years. I found the drain nozzle low down on the starboard side, just under the starter motor, but I cannot turn it to allow old flu to drain out. It's fiddly to access on the Seahawks. I'm deep down at the bottom of a locker and the nozzle is situated with limited spanner turning ability. I will try again with more tools next time im on board . But, I'm also replacing the hot water pipe that goes to the callorifier.Is this on the same circuit? What other options are there to drain coolant and antifreeze so I can flush and replace. Thanks.

 

[stu9000]

Any thoughts on this? Im going to the boat tomorrow. Can I drain the coolent via the calorifier hose?

 

[chris-s]

The drain nozzle you found is invariably blocked. If you remove it then some folk have managed to clear it using a selection of rods, drills bits, screwdrivers etc. I did manage to get a dribble out once.

I just make do with circulating descaler, blocking the outlets to the exhaust elbow and removing the thermostat.

Chris

 

[stu9000]

Ok interesting. So u remove the pipe coming off the exhaust elbow. Block it off. Remove the thermostat and turn the engine over to flush water through. I assume that sprays water everywhere but I could live with that.

Im desperate to flush the system but am wary of disturbing pusg fit pipes.

 

[chris-s]

a bit more detail then on. how i do it with our raw water cooled 2003 that has a calorfier ...

1) remove the small piece of pipe that goes between the back of the head and the exhaust elbow and block it off. this ensures that the flush flows thru the block.

2) remove the thermostat... i actually have an old thermostat with the centre removed that i can refit to use as a seal here

now you need a bucket and a bilge pump

4) connect the biilge pump outlet so that it feeds into the front of the cylinder head where the cooling water would normally flow, you can either connect it to the inlet fitting, or even remove the outlet pipe from the water pump and connect it to that. I tend to connect it in a way that it flushes the intake anti-siphon at the same time. Previously i have connected it to the gearbox cooling pipe so it cleans that, but you need to remove the impeller if doing that.

5) take the calorifier return and stick that in the bucket. This way you will not only flush the entire engine but also the calorifier.

Ensure the pipes/pump in the bucket are restrained before you turn on the pump!

I will have flushed thru with fresh water beforehand at some point, not sure if that makes much difference.

Chris

 

[stu9000]

Thank you. Why remove thermostat if water pumping in via pump?Just checking... Does ur vp use salt water only or does it also use a closed loop of coolent.

 

[chris-s]

Salt water cooled. If you don’t remove the thermostat the water will not get circulated around the engine.

 

[stu9000]

Ah thanks. Mine has a fresh water loop and heat exchanger. Im on board tomorrow. Will have a play.

 

[Frankklose]

I have also a fresh water cooled 2003T. Just take the valve out and use a screwdriver or something something else. The Hole is blocked. A lot of cooling water will come out. It's a known problem

 

[stu9000]

Thanks but I can't turn the valve. Im back on board tomorrow with better tools so will have another go, but it seems pretty seized on.

I am looking for alternative drain points but am getting lost in this diagram.