When to drain antifreeze from SB 327/300 engine removal

[Jim W.]

I just lifted the body off my early 64 (lots of history on that first time exposed chassis). Since the restore project will take a couple years to complete the body/paint, frame/suspension, motor etc., I'm wondering when is the typical time to remove the lower block coolant plugs to drain. Should I do it now before lifting the engine, or leave in as long as possible for the anticorrosion effect. How long can the engine sit on a stand empty of antifreeze and not worry about rust? May be elementary, but i'm new to this part of auto mechanics.

[Duke W.]

Re: When to drain antifreeze from SB 327/300 engine removal

Are you going to disassemble and rebuild the engine, and if so when?

Duke

[Jim W.]

Re: When to drain antifreeze from SB 327/300 engine removal

Are you going to disassemble and rebuild the engine, and if so when?

Duke

That's a good question; jury's still out on that. When I get it on the stand and drop the oil pan; a mechanic/restorer that's going to help me is going to come by my house to check critical items and evaluate if I need a rebuild. I can get on it soon to do what I can but he is backed up about a year. Car has 43,000 on it.

Jim

[Duke W.]

Re: When to drain antifreeze from SB 327/300 engine removal

I recommend you just drain the coolant, as a minimum. Optional beyond that... remove the thermostat housing and thermostat, insert the drain plugs, fill with water and then drain, and do this two or more times until the antifreeze, whatever type it is, is 99 percent removed.

Leave the drain plugs and thermostat off, and the water will likely drain and evaporate over the next couple of weeks.

When everything is back together and you're ready to start the engine, install a 50-60 percent blend of Zerex G-05 antifreeze and distilled water and change it every five years.

Duke

[Jim W.]

Re: When to drain antifreeze from SB 327/300 engine removal

I recommend you just drain the coolant, as a minimum. Optional beyond that... remove the thermostat housing and thermostat, insert the drain plugs, fill with water and then drain, and do this two or more times until the antifreeze, whatever type it is, is 99 percent removed.

Leave the drain plugs and thermostat off, and the water will likely drain and evaporate over the next couple of weeks.

When everything is back together and you're ready to start the engine, install a 50-60 percent blend of Zerex G-05 antifreeze and distilled water and change it every five years.

Duke

Thanks Duke
I like the "optional" plan. Zerex G-05 is what's in it now (albeit about 10-15 years sitting in my garage not driven).