Draining cooling system on 300D

[DeltaDave]

I'm ready to drain the antifreeze on my 1985 300TD. The CD says to remove a drain plug in the cylinder block in addition to the radiator drain. Do I really need to remove the plug in the block ? If so will I need a new seal ring or gasket on the plug ? Where is the plug ? Is it accessable from the top of the car ? The CD is a little vague on this. Thanks

[GregS]

I just did this on my 300D this afternoon. Don't mess with the block plug unless you really want to ruin your day and waste a lot of time. Check out my post (and very simple method) in the diesel section.

Greg

[rickjordan]

I haven't read Greg's posting in the Diesel section but, I didn't have a problem with opening the block drain. It is located on the passenger side of the block. I don't remember what size it is. Removing this plug allows for all the coolant to be drained. With this plug removed and the radiator plug closed, I ran some clear water through the expansion tank and watched the water coming out of the block drain. Once it ran clear, I put the drain plug back.

[GregS]

Delta Dave: maybe I just have really bad luck with large bolts that haven't been removed in 15 years, which is why I say to leave them alone. For example, I wanted to change my differential oil yesterday and in the process of trying to remove the diff fill plug I twisted my 14mm hex socket like a pretzel! So much for new diff oil.

Greg