FE Power Forums
FE Power Forums => FE Technical Forum => Topic started by: rhinosoft on October 04, 2014, 08:01:55 AM
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Hi All,
I have to remove and replace my intake for two reasons:
- Have annoying oil leaks front and back of the intake manifold
- Getting Jay's Intake Adapter pretty soon so will be seeing how it installs in my Thunderbird
Quick question : I have always removed the pipe plugs from the block to drain the coolant when replacing manifold but what do you guys reckon, is this overkill if I drain the coolant from radiator which should in theory move the level below the heads?
Thanks and I have not given up on the FE Forum - but good to focus Jay's adapter install I reckon??!!
All the best,
Graeme
Australia
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Good to see you here, Graeme. If you drain the coolant from the radiator that will be fine; you don't need to drain the block to change intakes.
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I'll add that since the engine usually sits at a downward angle in the rear I usually jack up the rear of my car while the petcock is open, you'll get a little more coolant out. That's more for if you're removing the heads, since the headgasket coolant hole is blocked at the front anyway, but it will drain a little more. And just as an aside, if I am pulling the heads I'll drain coolant by pulling the lower waterpump bolt. The passanger side goes into the waterjacket. I drill a small hole in my drivers side lower hole on my blocks also. Just remember to use a little sealant on those bolts. Then you don't have use the block drains. If I'm pulling the thermostat housing or expansion tank I'll soak up some coolant in the manifold with a rag first also, just to lessen the chance of dripping antifreeeze into the engine when removing the manifold. It's all a little overkill but I don't like any chance of getting antifreeze in the oil.
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Thank you gentlemen, I work slowly with no hoist so not having to remove and replace those pipe plugs will save me lots of leg work! Oh yeah, and wearing an armful of coolant when it lets go!
Graeme