Antifreeze/Coolant Change: Further Question

JM19 · 12-08-04, 10:56

I posted awhile back about performing an antifreeze/coolant change on my vehicle. I have another question that I am hoping someone might be able to answer

My car is a low-profile vehicle (Mitsubishi Eclipse), and I am considering the use of ramps to help reach the drain at the bottom of the radiator when I drain my antifreeze.

My question is, will the use of ramps compromise my results in this procedure? I read from someone that it is not advisable to use ramps, as they do not ensure that all the antifreeze will be drained from the vehicle.

I would like to know a definitive answer to my question, as this will be my first time doing this procedure and I would like everything to go as smooth as possible.

hadboosttroy · 12-08-04, 12:02

I would use a floor jack with jack stands personally. I have an extremely low vehicle (integra slammed on h&r coilovers with a lip kit). What I do is put two pieces of wood under the front tires, drive up on to them, and then jack it up. It gives you extra clearance to fit the jack underneath. works like a charm.

Aurora40 · 12-08-04, 12:27

It could be that more coolant will be trapped in the block if the vehicle is at an angle. If you jack-stand the whole car, that might keep it more level.

JaredPointer · 12-08-04, 12:46

Is there a drain/pitcock/plug on the engine block? I know most cars have them. Maybe you could attach a small hose to the drain on the block and maybe a hose to the one on the radiator, run them to a drain pan, open the drain and let it begin draining and then back the car off the stands. It seems like a lot of work, and it would probably require help. It's just a suggestion for helping get all the old out. Also, you might could shoot the hose down the radiator with all the plugs open to helt "jet out" the old. I have seen that done before. Good luck and be safe!

lagniappe · 12-18-04, 06:42

Would it hurt to drain the fluid while the car is on the ramps and then drive your car off the ramps to drain the rest of the fluid? Your car would be running for just a few seconds without fluid.

Aurora40 · 12-19-04, 06:26

Quote:

Originally posted by lagniappe
Would it hurt to drain the fluid while the car is on the ramps and then drive your car off the ramps to drain the rest of the fluid? Your car would be running for just a few seconds without fluid.

There's a reasonable chance that running the water pump for a few seconds (it's really more than a few, how fast can you drive off ramps? And I'd assume you'd have to drive back up them to put the drain plug back in) will damage it. I sure as heck wouldnt' try that.

O4cobra · 12-19-04, 06:56

Alright, here is my take on this. There is no way you can drain all of the coolant out through the radiator of a vehicle. The only way you can get all of the fluid out is if you do a power flush at a service center. There is fluid in the hoses, block, heater core, heater hoses etc.... There is no way to get it out no matter what you do without the power flush. Except maybe the last paragraph.

About pulling it off of the ramps, it won't hurt a thing to take it off of the ramps without coolant, as long as the vehivle is cold. If you think about it, there is no coolant flowing through the motor when the vehicle is cold. The thermostat is in the closed position and doesn't allow the coolant to flow. So this will not hurt the water pump in anyway.

If you want to do it right, I would jack up the rear of the vehicle while the front is on the ramps, that way the car is level, then drain the radiator. Drain the radiator, then fill it back up with water, then run it for about 10-20 minutes or so, while still up on the ramps and jack. Then drain out that fluid again, fill it back up with water, run it for 10-20 mins again. Then drain it again. Then I would add a 50/50mix of coolant and water and you will be set. By running it and draining it 3 or more times if you choose, is to get as much out as you can. And by just filling it back up with water, it saves a lot of money.

I work for a Goodyear Retail location so I'm pretty sure I gave you accurate information. Hope this helps!

Aurora40 · 12-19-04, 08:32

Quote:

Originally posted by O4cobra
About pulling it off of the ramps, it won't hurt a thing to take it off of the ramps without coolant, as long as the vehivle is cold. If you think about it, there is no coolant flowing through the motor when the vehicle is cold. The thermostat is in the closed position and doesn't allow the coolant to flow. So this will not hurt the water pump in anyway.

The water pump WILL have coolant in it, and the engine will be full of coolant, there just isn't any flow. The water pump is still lubricated by the coolant, it just can't pump it anywhere (though it will still flow through the heater core typically).

ZaneO · 12-19-04, 08:44

Note: This is not for a Mitsubishi Eclipse, but maybe you can find something similar specific to your car.

http://shbox.com/1/4th_gen_tech2.html#radflush

mirrorfinishman · 12-20-04, 03:42

JM 19,

Have you given any thought to taking your Eclipse to a professional to have the coolant changed?

JM19 · 12-22-04, 05:09

I'm pleased to announce that after some research on a message board dedicated to Eclipses, I will go ahead and proceed to change the antifreeze on my car.

I surveyed my vehicle a few days ago and I discovered that I will easily be able to slip a pan under the radiator and reach the drain valve without the need for ramps.

Both the Haynes and Chilton manuals also recommend removing a engine block drain plug, but from most Eclipse owners I have talked to, they have said that they don't usually remove it (due to tightness of the plug and the fact it is in an obscure place) and their cars run perfectly.

Thanks again for the advice!

Bill D · 12-22-04, 05:58

You're going to love it once you begin. It gets easier and more efficient the next time and the time after that and this is the observation of someone who considers himself rather far from being handy or particularly mechanically inclined