I have the radiator out and now want to drain the block. I think I found the left side drain, looks like maybe a 19mm plug, just behind the A/C compressor (looks similar to the location and plug shown in the service manual section 50-4, fig 50-4/1).

On the right side of the block I cannot locate a similar plug. All I find there is a large, maybe 1 1/2" plug that takes a large hex drive, located just rear of the oil filter housing.

Am I on the right track here? Maybe I'll be able to see a little better in the day light, but these drain have been eating at me all evevning so I had to go out and look one more time instead of heading to bed.

What a way to spend a week of vacation!

__________________
Mike Tangas
'73 280SEL 4.5 (9/72)- RIP
Only 8,173 units built from 5/71 thru 11/72

'02 CLK320 Cabriolet - wifey's mid-life crisis

2012 VW Jetta Sportwagon TDI...at least its a diesel

Non illegitemae carborundum.

The plugs point straight down and are hiding by the engine mount supports. They are identical. Once you undo them, don't be surprised if absolutely nothing happens. Poke up into the hole with a screw driver to clear the muck.

-CTH

__________________
- cth350@gmail.com
http://www.111lakeside.com/

CTH,

Thanks. I still haven't found the right side yet (but I admit I didn't look too hard today). I pulled the left side, came loose which a mighty crack, so loud I thought the plug had broken, and then when I saw that stubby little stem I was sure. Add to that that nothing what so ever came out, I knew I'd screwed the pooch. Tried the screwdriver trick and found it was just a crud plug, and got the left flowing freely.

What I opted to do for now was just do extra fill/drains. Have done five today (radiator was ready at 9 AM). On the fifth drain the water was running pretty clear and estimate I was getting about 3 1/2 - 4 gallons between the radiator and block.

I'll look in earnest for the right side tomorrow now that I know both sides are the same. I'm thinking the right side might just be on the back side of the mount, since I didn't see anything similar in front of it.

__________________
Mike Tangas
'73 280SEL 4.5 (9/72)- RIP
Only 8,173 units built from 5/71 thru 11/72

'02 CLK320 Cabriolet - wifey's mid-life crisis

2012 VW Jetta Sportwagon TDI...at least its a diesel

Non illegitemae carborundum.

Found it!

Just behind the motor mount, directly above the carrier axle and in front of the starter. Tight quarters in there for a wrench and my arm. But got it out, cleaned the passage and drained the right side as well.

System is topped off with 50/50 mix plus water wetter. Running very cool now. I even sat in the driveway, in gear, foot on the brake and A/C on for five minutes trying to get the temp above 180. After five minutes the temp rose to almost 200. I think I'll be good to go for stop and go driving if I should run into any.

__________________
Mike Tangas
'73 280SEL 4.5 (9/72)- RIP
Only 8,173 units built from 5/71 thru 11/72

'02 CLK320 Cabriolet - wifey's mid-life crisis

2012 VW Jetta Sportwagon TDI...at least its a diesel

Non illegitemae carborundum.