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The '63 Shop Manual describes draining the cooling system to include draining the cylinder block. It mentions opening "both" drain cocks and the pipe plugs on each side of the block. I can not find a picture or drawing showing these four points on the engine. Are they accessible without raising the car and getting at them from underneath? I don't see them from the top side. Are they possibly refering to the freeze plugs? Just replaced the heater core and am getting familiar with this car and would appreciate any advice. Plan to replace coolant with a 50/50 antifreeze/distilled water mix. Thank you.
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Re: C2 - '63 cooling system
There are three drains - a conventional threaded drain cock on the bottom of the radiator and the two hex head pipe plugs, one on each side, just above the pan rail about halfway between the front and rear of the engine. You need to loosen the ignition wire V-shields to access them. Use a six point socket (9/16" I recall). A six point will have less tendency to round off the hex than a 12 point, and use some pipe dope when you install them.
Yes, you need to get the front end up on jack stands to crawl under and access the two engine drain plugs.
Duke -
Re: C2 - '63 cooling system
Rick when you remove the drain plugs on the sides of the block drain each one into a clean pan. If your engine has never been removed from the car and hot tanked and these drains have never been opened before you will get a lot of debris out of each side. When you reinstall them remember to only tighten them enough so you can easily remove them again.Comment
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Re: C2 - '63 cooling system
I suspect my 62 is the same as the 63, and Duke is correct in his method of draining. If you are draining the system, be sure to open all 3 drains and don't make the assumption I did the first time I did it years ago. I opened the radiator drain and the drivers side pipe plug thinking all the block water would drain out of that one plug. DUMB! When I pulled the passengers side head off I proceeded to fill up the disconnected exhaust pipe with water and messed up the garage floor big time.Comment
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Re: C2 - '63 cooling system
It's possible that when the block drain plugs are removed, nothing will come out because of debris that has settled to the bottom of the water jacket. In this case take a dental pick or other small tool and dig out the debris until the water begins to drain.
DukeComment
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Re: C2 - '63 cooling system
Rick-----
The other problem that you will face is this: if the block drain plugs have never been removed (as is likely), they will be virtually "frozen" in place and won't budge. I would recommend using nothing more than a 6 point socket and a 3/8 drive breaker bar to try to dislodge them. If that doesn't work, I wouldn't resort to, say, a 1/2" drive breaker bar with a "cheater" bar attached to bring more leverage (and force)to bear. I have heard of blocks being cracked this way, and, although rare, I don't think that it's worth it to take that chance.
If the drain plugs are "frozen" you can adequately flush the entire system using a "flush-and-fill" kit as manufactured by Prestone and available at most auto parts stores for a modest cost. This kit necessitates the installation of a hose fitting in the 5/8" heater hose. However, if you wish, you can replace this heater hose with a new one after the flushing operation. Or, if you don't mind the fitting in the heater hose, you can just place the cap on it which is supplied with the kit.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: C2 - '63 cooling system
How often should the engine be flushed (2 years, 3 years?) when using the Prestone Flushing kit? I used the kit last year for the first time with good results on my C2.Comment
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Re: C2 - '63 cooling system
John-----
Every 2 years is what I recommend or, even, every year if you're real "finicky" like me. It's not really necessary to do it this often, though.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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