radiator fluid drained or not

I have a leaking rear seal of the manifold intake seal in the rear. I took it to a authorized ford dealership and ask when they drain the green stuff could they put it back in again. The service manager replied to me since the intake sets high up that it wouldnt be necessary to do that. I have seen alot fo forum which they drain the entire fluid out. This is a 1962 t-bird with a new short block installed . My wifes cousin didnt do a good job of reassembling everything back together again. Drain or not to drain that is the question. Could I get a explanation with this thread. Thanks Larry

 

I am not familiar with that particular engine, but IF the thermostat housing is in the intake (not sure in your case) then there will be antifreeze in the intake itself. Removing the intake without at least lowering the level of anitfreeze in the engine block (to below intake level) will cause a "spill" of antifreeze into the engine when the intake is lifted off. Again, not sure in your particular case but very likely. Might not be the case if the engine is a straight 6 though (don't think you mentioned exactly which engine you have, based on the weight of those cars I am assuming it is a V8).

 

There's definitely coolant in your intake, and it will need to be at least partially drained before removal.

The highest point in the cooling system on that car is your fill neck/radiator cap (not like some new cars where you have to bleed or purge the intake because it IS higher than the radiator.)

Man, why are you taking an old car to a dealership? That's kinda like asking the kids at Foot Locker to resole your boots...

 

It should have drain plugs on either side of the block. Pull them both and it will drain it dry.

 

please remember to do a search on "rusted bolts, tricks" and "torch, real hot, candle wax" lol...

rick

 

The radiator should have a pet cock on it to drain the coolant into a large drain pan. Check the rubbermaid section of the dollar store or Wal-Mart. Then when you're done pour it back in. It's not worth the hassle to try and guess if the level is down enough.

That intake is so heavy that some guys use an engine hoist to carry the weight when changing it in the car. It's hard enough with an aluminum Chevy leaning over the fender let alone that cast iron aircraft carrier. That may be why it wasn't sealed the first time.