Disaster while draining coolant Triumph Stag S1 : Ep 22

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License code: YH8GBACCERRUZLIA

[@KJs581]

31 years with a Stag, 330,000 kms, and have removed the block drain plugs only once, when I had the engine out. . I usually flush without removing them. Remove the thermostat housing, remove thermostat, and there are enough hoses you can flush from either end to get everything old out. Threads lubricated whenever I strip anything, so no horrors on mine removing bolts. Everyone "what about the silt/dirt/flakes??" When I HAVE removed plugs, nothing came out except fluid, so...... Obviously with heads off can suck water out of block galleries with syringes if doing any major work. Again, no deposits in there. I am very lucky here in that our water is very "soft", so very little minerals in it. So a little bit remaining is no drama. I always use "concentrate", so use distilled water anyway, but after flush and then blowing out hoses from either end, gets enough flush water out. First time I undo inlet manifold, make all threads on heads for manifold helicoils. The soft ally is just a hassle/helicoils means 30 odd years, never a crossed thread. simple to do. I have had my fair share removing those ridiculous head studs. Screwdriver slots to undo them? Pfft, dreamers. I have had "junk/spares" engines that they just would not come off, but have managed to get most off. First time I removed mine (took a week, penetrene down stud shafts/welded nuts onto some of the studs) I replaced the stupid studs with high tensile socket head bolts. A smear of never seize, and my heads have always come off easily. It is the best money you will ever spend on a Stag or TR7/Dolomite. I have never had that air lock thing. Always use a "jiggle pin" stat, and squeeze the top rad hose to suck it through the jiggle pin.

[@stevecmason-rs6vf]

My heart goes out to you, I've been here before with similar issues, the heart sinks. Take your time, it won't be a quick job sadly.

[@StagStuff]

Thanks Steve - all sorted now..... but it was a long job indeed :-)

[@timothykearns2054]

Happened to me. Ended up fitting new inlet, as I tried to drill it out still fitted and messed up.I would recommend that you remove inlet to drill it out.

[@StagStuff]

Hi Timothy. Thjats exactly what I had to do in the end. Fortunately the shaft of the bolt is now drilled out and the inlet manifold back on....... but what a job!

[@stevesalvage1089]

Real. Life experience, happened to me too. , better at home than on the A38 , or any layby ,

[@StagStuff]

'Real life', as you say. I don't try to gloss over my videos, as I want others to know that stuff can ve frustrating..... and also so they can learn from my mistakes :-)