From the article you will learn how to drain the coolant from the engine system correctly, without spilling it on the ground or floor in the garage. There may be several reasons for draining. This is its complete replacement, and the repair of the pump, thermostat. When installing new pipes or radiators, you can not do without draining the fluid from the system. But you need to adhere to a certain algorithm so that the work is carried out as quickly and efficiently as possible. First you need to talk about typical malfunctions in the cooling system of any internal combustion engine.
Signs of a breakdown in the cooling system
Very often the gasket under the cylinder head is damaged , the volume of coolant in the system is reduced. In this case, the liquid can leave, even in small quantities, in the combustion chamber. This affects both the operation of the engine and the functioning of the cooling system. It is also worth noting that with a working thermostat during engine warm-up, the temperature of the main radiator of the cooling system does not change. Therefore, if after two or three minutes after starting you touch the lower and upper pipes, and they are hot, then there is a problem with the thermostat. Most likely, his valve is in a position in which the fluid circulates in a large circle. On the other hand, if even after reaching 90 degrees the temperature of these pipes remains low, it can be judged that the jamming occurred in a position in which the liquid circulates in a small circle.
What you need to know before draining the liquid
The most important thing - always carry out work only on a cooled engine! Otherwise, you will get severe burns on the body. Wounds heal for a very long time, and if we take into account that antifreeze (antifreeze) is poisonous, then you run the risk of getting a severe allergic reaction. It is much worse to scald with hot antifreeze than ordinary water, since it is greasy, because in the cooling system it plays a secondary role of lubrication for the sleeve or bearing of the pump. And you yourself imagine what it is scalded with boiling oil (for example, vegetable). The effect is about the same. To drain the liquid, you will need a 13 key, a container, and also pliers. But the latter are needed in exceptional cases, which will be discussed below. Pay attention to the coolant reservoir; it has a plug on it. About it will be said a little lower.
How to drain the fluid?
So, first prepare the car for repair. While the engine cools, you remove the protection from it, it will interfere. The total amount of coolant in the system is about 9 liters. After freeing up space, you can relax a bit, waiting for the antifreeze to cool completely. Install a container under the drain hole on the radiator, estimate the approximate direction of the jet. For example, on domestic front-wheel drive cars, when the liquid is drained, the jet enters the back cover of the generator. This is not very good, as you can get a short circuit and burn the generator. Therefore, before draining the coolant, it is best to cover it with a waterproof material. Install a small gutter so that the jet falls on it and all the liquid drains into the container without any residue.
Please note that without unscrewing the plug from the expansion tank, it will not be possible to drain all the liquid, since the system is perfectly tight. After you pour the liquid from the radiator, close the hole in it. Using the 13 key, unscrew the second plug. It is located on the engine block. By analogy, install a small gutter to direct the entire flow of fluid into the tank. Without these actions, replacing the VAZ 2114 coolant is impossible. The most important thing when draining the liquid is to open the faucet of the stove! It is also advisable to install the car so that its front is lower than the rear. This will allow all fluid to drain to the drain holes.
Which is better: antifreeze or antifreeze?
This question arises very often among motorists. And the answer to it will sound like a question: “Which is better: Coca-Cola or Baikal”? In fact, this is one and the same thing, only Baikal, like antifreeze, is a domestic product. And abroad, Coca-Cola and antifreeze are more popular. Antifreeze - this is antifreeze. Any liquid that does not freeze in the cold is antifreeze. But there are differences. And before you drain the coolant to carry out the replacement, it is worth learning about the nuances.
Antifreeze was developed by domestic scientists about half a century ago, it was widely used, and is not inferior to its foreign counterpart (which everyone calls “antifreeze”) in its characteristics. Antifreeze differs in blue and a completely different composition. Unfortunately, in foreign brands of this liquid there are much more additives that improve its characteristics and extend the service life. And what to choose - antifreeze or antifreeze (the price of these liquids is almost the same), it's up to you.
Thermostat Replacement
It is only necessary to replace the failed thermostat. It is located directly on the internal combustion engine. Several pipes are connected to it. As a rule, one goes to the expansion tank, the second to the radiator, the third to the water pump, and the fourth is connected to the cooling jacket of the cylinder block. Please note that all work must be carried out only after the liquid has completely cooled in the cooling system. And before starting repairs, it is necessary to completely drain antifreeze from the system.
Unscrew the clamps that are located on the nozzles, and then remove them. Please note that in this case the antifreeze must be completely drained. Its price, by the way, is about 700 rubles per 10 liter canister.
Conclusion
If you notice that the temperature has reached a critical point, you must immediately identify all the causes of the malfunction, as well as quickly take measures to eliminate them immediately.
On the other hand, an excessively low temperature of the engine also leads to increased wear of all elements of the internal combustion engine. The air-fuel mixture practically does not evaporate; it removes a film of oil from all the walls on the cylinders. Regardless of the symptom of a breakdown, hypothermia, or excessive heat, the system has a malfunction that should be fixed as soon as possible.
Now you know how to drain coolant from an internal combustion engine. Good luck!