draining cooling system 4.3 ltr inboard help?

[Hawg-line-]

I admit I'm not extremmely mechanical but if told/showed, I can do it my self. I have the owners manual and it has a diagram picture of the cooling system/hoses ect, but no labels as to names. I'm trying to drain and replace my coolant but can't find/pin point the things it telling me to do...Ie, drain plugs on cylinder block (one on each side), manifold drain plugs, end caps from heat exchanger, engine circulating pump. It is a closed cooling system. any help would be greatly appreciated. (I'm located in La Center) if your close and willing to come by and point out these things also, Or if you have pics or any way of differentiating these things out for me That would be great. Thanks steven

[deepsix]

Are you draining the cooling system becuses you are winterizing or maintenance? Your closed cooling system does not need to be drained if it has the proper amount of antifreeze in the water. You will need to drain your manifolds/risers. Just unhook the hose running to the input on the manifolds. This is usually at the bottom of the manifolds. There also is a hose that runs raw water to the power-steering cooler. This is another good place to release a hose and drain the water. Follow your manual and learn the parts of the system. Draining and general maintence is fairly easy.

[Hawg-line-]

I'm draining for maintenance, I checked It for the winter and Its not protected to a safe temp for me since I will still fish in the winter, The boats 10 yrs old (i've had it for 1 1/2) so I don't know when the coolent was last changed if ever so I want to just put new into it and feel better about it. the manual has pictures but doesn't name the parts which is why I'm asking for guidence thanks again steven

[Just-in-Time]

buy the factory manual to know what your doing

i have them all email me

[easydoesit86]

All the inboards I've been around just have a drain coming out the side of the block, usually on the starboard side, if it's a Merc, it'll be on a little brass fitting sticking out the side of the bllock with a blue plug in it
good luck

[noreaster]

Ive got a 4.3 volvo and it sounds identical to yours. I winterized and this is what i did. 1. opened pitcock on each manifold and let drain with the front end of the boat jacked up as high as i could get. 2. opened each end of the heat exchanger and let drain (there is a nut in the middle of each side of the exchanger, remove the nut and the plate from each side), my heat exchanger is set horizonal so i also used an air compressor to blow out excess water. 3. disconnected input and output hose to the impeller and let drain then cranked the engine one turn over. 4. tested the coolant water with a checker and it was good to -15 degrees. 5. changed fluid in the outdrive in case some water existed ( gets real cold in goldendale). 6. closed and reconnected everything back. Good luck

[wsmahan]

4.3l has the brass drain plugs on both sides of the motor. I took the plugs out and changed them to a petcock for ease of draining.
Wes