I plan on flushing the cooling system on our 1970 e-type, for the first time. The question I have is the "book" shows a drain petcock on the side of the block next to the dipstick to drain the block and our car has a hex plug instead. Do I just drain it at the radiator or is there more to it?

Thanks in advance.

Submitted by SC38-21185J on Mon, 09/21/2009 - 08:12

Okay David, no problem as I understand the effects of the economy all too well myself.
I was just kidding about the clamps!

If you happen to use a cover on your car during the winter months, I would remove the battery. Venting gasses can accummulate under the bonnet and cover, and do a number on the aluminum, if any of it is polished.

Patrick

Submitted by scott@stonewal… on Mon, 09/21/2009 - 00:32

Edited on 2009-09-21 1:19:24

William: Thanks for your response. I know it is rather obvious but it is better to ask a dumb question than to make a dumb mistake.

Patrick: I haven't found any evidence that the radiator has had any work done so I am sure you are right. The truth is it is not in the budget. This recession has erased any discretionary spending so I am pretty much limited to doing the routine maintenance to keep the car in good health. I have replaced all fluids and everything is working fine. It runs on the cool side and it looks like the fans were recently replaced since they are very clean. I will replace all of the coolant and brake hoses next spring, and hopefully tires. Oh yes, and shocks, I think this car still has the originals on it. I am in Washington so it will start raining soon ending any hopes of driving.

Are the Cheney clamps what was on it originally? I will have to see if that is what is on it.

Thanks again and I hope everything works out with selling your car.

David

Submitted by SC38-21185J on Sat, 09/19/2009 - 09:20

Edited on 2009-09-19 10:42:50

David: After 40 years, you really need to take your cooling concerns one step further. If it were me, I would at the very least remove the radiator and have it serviced and pressure tested. Or better yet, invest in a NEW radiator.

Removing and replacing a radiator isn't all that tough. But if you are not mechanically inclined or don't want the mess of coolant all over your driveway, you can have this done. You should also replace all of the hoses as well, including the two at the rear of the engine.

But if renewing coolant is all you are going to do, pre-mix a 50/50 solution of coolant to water, and add a bottle of "Royal Purple Coolant Additive" or "Wetter Water". I would also replace that plug in the engine with the original little valve. While engine is running and warm, I like to open the little valve for a few seconds to make sure coolant is in the block. You can't do this with a plug.

It doesn't sound like you care about concours or strict originality. I would also suspect the cooling fans are getting tired after 40 years. I would remove those fan motors, save them in a zip lock bag, and replace them with a set from Cool Cat:
http://coolcatcorp.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=CS

I am big on preventive maintenance.

If you happen to have Cheney hose clamps, replace those old, dirty, nasty clamps them with auto store type, and send the Cheney's to me! :-)

Patrick