Coolant change C200 K model 203

[Julian Lindley]

All Contributers,

I tend to keep my cars for a long period of time (My hack SRI Vauxhall is 16 years, aquired new) and I maintain them by keeping a detailed log on my PC and undertaking maintenance that I feel comfortable with. The unavailability of a manual for the car forces caution, though I have succcessfully changed the front brake discs and pads plus regular oil changes, amongst other routines.

Superficially, a coolant change would appear easy, but experience suggests that quality supporting information is vital, hence a note to you fellow owners.

1
Location of the block drain plug. Does anyone have a photograph showing its location as I cannot find it? The engine bottom is "busy" with plumbing and cables.

2
Does anyone have knowledge of the process and order coolant change is to be carried out? I do not want to end up with localised air in the cylinder head causing a hot spot.

3
Details regarding tools and technique would be appreciated.

4
Warnings regarding where to be careful or what to avoid would also be appreciated.

At the end of the day quality detailed advise could provide the basis of a manual for each model, rather than the contributor jottings at present. The detailed note written by contributer "Mikwik" regarding spark plug changing on 6 cylinder models is hugely impressive in its detail.

Regards and thanks

Julian Lindley

 

[Dieselman]

All Contributers,

I tend to keep my cars for a long period of time (My hack SRI Vauxhall is 16 years, aquired new) and I maintain them by keeping a detailed log on my PC and undertaking maintenance that I feel comfortable with. The unavailability of a manual for the car forces caution, though I have succcessfully changed the front brake discs and pads plus regular oil changes, amongst other routines.

Superficially, a coolant change would appear easy, but experience suggests that quality supporting information is vital, hence a note to you fellow owners.

1
Location of the block drain plug. Does anyone have a photograph showing its location as I cannot find it? The engine bottom is "busy" with plumbing and cables.

2
Does anyone have knowledge of the process and order coolant change is to be carried out? I do not want to end up with localised air in the cylinder head causing a hot spot.

3
Details regarding tools and technique would be appreciated.

4
Warnings regarding where to be careful or what to avoid would also be appreciated.

At the end of the day quality detailed advise could provide the basis of a manual for each model, rather than the contributor jottings at present. The detailed note written by contributer "Mikwik" regarding spark plug changing on 6 cylinder models is hugely impressive in its detail.

Regards and thanks

Julian Lindley

1. Without detailed knowledge of your particular engine I would expect the block drain to be under the exhaust manifold.

2. Drain radiator and block with the cabin temperature dial set to Hot and the ignition on, likewise for refilling.
Refil until the expansion chamber is full then start the engione and allow to idle until the thermostat opens.
Keep squeezing the bottom hose to expell air. I don't think your car has any air bleed nipples on the top hoses, just keep squeezing and refilling.

 

[Julian Lindley]

Thanks Dieselman for the info.

Apart from engine, the engine bay is filled with auxilary systems for the engine including the supercharger, so access to a coolant drain plug will be underneath I suspect. Its a substantial exercise to access the underneath (gravel drive, axle stands and jacks) so was wishing to arm myself with info first. I could not find the coolant drain plug, when I last changed the oil and looked for it