how to empty radiator - 1998 s40

leeleelee · Post by **leeleelee** » 14 Oct 2010, 16:53

Hi,

is anyone able to give very simple & clear instructions on how to empty/flush the radiator of a 1998 volvo s40 t4? eg where the empty plug is...

thanks!

Post by **billofdurham** » 16 Oct 2010, 12:23

Welcome to Matthew's Volvo Site.

Before draining the coolant you need a big enough container to catch it as it is not advisable, and in most places illegal, to allow it to run into the drainage system.

The drain cock on the radiator is at the bottom left side looking from the front of the car. The attached is the VADIS instructions for draining the coolant. Before starting work set your heat control to maximum heat so the heater will drain. Leave it on max until you have refilled the system.

S40 replacing coolant.pdf: (83.18 KiB) Downloaded 845 times

To flush the radiator drain as in the above then remove the top and bottom hoses and flush with clean water, preferably using a hose pipe. Replace the hoses and slowly refill the system with coolant/water mix occasionally massaging the radiator hoses to prevent air locks.

Bill.

pwhisler · Post by **pwhisler** » 20 Dec 2010, 15:35

I have a 2002 S40 1.9T, and I was looking at the coolant level:

Looks like I need to add some fluid, but is it as easy and just getting anti-freeze and mixing it with water 50-50, and adding a little bit to that contaner pictured above until its at max level while the engine is cooled off?

my manual says that "Normally, the coolant does not need to be changed." so I don't need to flush it out right? why would you want to?

Post by **jblackburn** » 21 Dec 2010, 09:34

my manual says that "Normally, the coolant does not need to be changed." so I don't need to flush it out right? why would you want to?

Coolant is NOT a lifetime fluid, as some automakers would like you to think. It should be changed every 4-5 years or so.

Careful with the petcock on the radiator; they are known to break off on most of the other cars (5 and 6 cyl versions). I just yank the lower radiator hose and be prepared with your bucket for a large rush of fluid at first.

Post by **billofdurham** » 21 Dec 2010, 11:23

Antifreeze loses its properties over time so does need to be changed, as Justin said. As for flushing the system that is your choice. It isn't strictly necessary if you use distilled water in the cooling system but I always do mine when I replace the coolant and it is amazing how much rubbish comes out.

Bill.

pwhisler · Post by **pwhisler** » 28 Dec 2010, 00:49

ok, thanks. i'll try to do this one of these upcoming weekends...

so i can place a bucket where it drains out, one that can hold 6.3 liters, and spray it when a garden hose to get all the "rubbish" out? and how can i legally dispose of the waste?

Post by **jblackburn** » 28 Dec 2010, 07:57

It's perfectly acceptable to pour antifreeze into a toilet on a sewer system.

You will probably not see 6.3 liters come out of the entire system - some will remain in the heater core, water pump, passages in the engine, etc. But go about draining the radiator and engine block drain. Fill the car with water, let it run through until the engine reaches operating temperature, and then drain the system again to get the crud out. Then you can proceed with adding your new coolant.

On the S70, there is an engine block drain to the passenger side of the car at the very back of the engine. I should think it's in a similar location on the 4-cyl version of the engine as well.

Post by **billofdurham** » 28 Dec 2010, 12:21

On the S70, there is an engine block drain to the passenger side of the car at the very back of the engine. I should think it's in a similar location on the 4-cyl version of the engine as well.

As in this and same on the S/V40:

: untitled.jpg (50.4 KiB) Viewed 3920 times

Bill.

pwhisler · Post by **pwhisler** » 30 Dec 2010, 12:11

oh, forgot to ask, is there any special kind of coolant i should get, or just any general one for the local autoparts store will do? I live in Hawaii, 2002 S40, 66k miles...

thanks

pwhisler · Post by **pwhisler** » 04 Jan 2011, 15:17

do i let the car run while its draining out? because I warmed it up, turned it off and drained it out, and i was only able to put back in 3 liters of water...