|
|
|
|
|
LinkBack | Thread Tools | Display Modes |
#1
|
|||
|
|||
Probably dumb question: is there any way to vacuum out the coolant?
I am thinking of replacing the coolant in my 1996 E320. Having a Miti Vac, which I also use for oil change, I am wondering if it is possible to vacate the coolant with it, it would spare me the hassle of lying on the back to drain the coolant thru the radiator plug with the fear to break the plug as happened to some people.
Is putting the vac tube thru the hole after removing the thermostat feasible, or thru the radiator hose?
__________________
1996 E320 since 1/16/08, 171K miles as of Feb 2011 --------------------------------------------------------- 1989 300CE - R.I.P. Dec 29 2007 Other MBs (sold): 1992 300E-24 - 1979 350SLC - 1984 230E - 1990 300CE |
#2
|
||||
|
||||
You will be at this ,still... Next February! with a MityVac.
Roughly 2 gallons of coolant...All sort of crannies for it to "Hide" in.
(There's also the unmentioned Block Drain) With your car's front wheels firmly up on ramps (AND the Emergency brake ON) 'Get a plastic "Kiddie Pool" and place it under the lower Radiator hose (Where it attaches to the Radiator)...Loosen the clamp and remove the end of the hose from the radiator.'Messy ,But it will drain MOST of the coolant. To remove the rest...take the Heater hose off the Monovalve and use a shop vac to pressurize the system... almost all of the coolant will depart. FSM instructs us to drain the Radiator VIA the Plug...Then open the Block Drain. (Helps if the Stern is raised)
__________________
'84 300SD sold 124.128 Last edited by compress ignite; 02-27-2009 at 12:07 AM. |
#3
|
||||
|
||||
Yes and no. Yes you can vacuum it out, but you will need to create a air source to let air breath in to the voids you create by vacuuming. You need to open a point as far from the suction point as possible.
|
#4
|
|||
|
|||
On second thought it really was a dumb question, thanks for the inputs
__________________
1996 E320 since 1/16/08, 171K miles as of Feb 2011 --------------------------------------------------------- 1989 300CE - R.I.P. Dec 29 2007 Other MBs (sold): 1992 300E-24 - 1979 350SLC - 1984 230E - 1990 300CE |
#5
|
|||
|
|||
It's not a dumb question. I don't think it can be done with a Mityvac, but there is a machine that uses pressurized air to suck out the coolant. I have seen it in use at Enrique's shop. He placed the conical rubber end of the suction hose into the expansion tank filler neck and opened a valve on the machine. In second it sucked every drop of coolant into the clear plastic container of the machine. I was totally mystified because it made no logical sense. He didn't touch anything else on the car.
I would consider buying that machine if I know where to get it - I don't have the nerve to ask Enrique where he got his. I have six cars to maintain, and it would really save time. On a Google Products search you can find similar machines that claim to do the same, but without an absolute guarantee that it would work like Enrique's machine I wouldn't be interested. |
Bookmarks |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|