Winter Prep-With a Twist

[Ralph Z.]

The gearbox for my Alexis FF is out for an overhaul and won't be returned for a couple months. I live in the Cleveland, Ohio area where it will get much colder before the box comes back. The engine cooling system has only water and water wetter in it. I always flush it out and fill with anti-freeze for the winter. My garage is not heated.

My question is this...How can I adequately flush out the cooling system to make room for he anti-freeze without running the engine?

Appreciate your help.

Ralph

[Garey Guzman]

With a front rad car, I have just poked the nose out of the garage (gravel and grass in my case) and loosened the hose clamp. But here in TN, I just leave it empty.

[Dave Harmison]

Depending on what type of shop vac you have, blow or suck on one of the tubes. It should move enough air to make mist of whatever was left behind when you drained it. At least that’s how I do it.

[Offcamber1]

Ralph,

If you're going to refill with AF anyway, pulling the bottom rad hose with the rear end of the car jacked up slightly should do it.

FWIW, years ago the bloke that bought my brother's Mk15 didn't drain the water out before a Detroit winter. Split some frame tubes!

Kip

[stonebridge20]

Depending on what type of shop vac you have, blow or suck on one of the tubes. It should move enough air to make mist of whatever was left behind when you drained it. At least that’s how I do it.

This is how I do it to. I also winterize the Motorhome water system the same way.

[Ralph Z.]

Depending on what type of shop vac you have, blow or suck on one of the tubes. It should move enough air to make mist of whatever was left behind when you drained it. At least that’s how I do it.

Do you refill the system with AF or just leave it empty?

[stonebridge20]

Do you refill the system with AF or just leave it empty?

I leave mine empty.