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[Koomorph]

I'm considering doing a full coolant change on the 2.6 - have read the guide - but am still unsure as to exactly how much total mixture the car takes (and as such how much coolant/anti-freeze I should get for a for a flush and fill).

Any pointers welcome?

Cheers
Raf

[Radar]

Try the following link from the maintenance guide:
http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1167917774

It says for a V6 9 litres of coolant, which means 4.5 ltrs coolant and 4.5 ltrs water. But note that you will probably need a bit more when flushing the system. 

[Koomorph]

Thanks mate - wasn't quite sure if that was the case. Is there a V6 coolant guide change guide around - to explain further why you can only remove 50% of the coolant at a time and the process...?

[dbug]

If you drain via drain tap bottom of radiator you will only get 5 Lits out - keep flushing and eventually left with clear water in block.  Add 5 lits red antifreeze and your at ~ 50% af mixture.

[Koomorph]

I guess then start her up and let the pump do the mixing?

[Radar]

Thanks mate - wasn't quite sure if that was the case. Is there a V6 coolant guide change guide around - to explain further why you can only remove 50% of the coolant at a time and the process...?

Because some is always left in the water pump

[dbug]

I guess then start her up and let the pump do the mixing?

Yep - make sure climate on hi and squeeze hoses with cap off, engine running to bleed air.  Fill to level, cap on, quick blast up to normal running temperature, allow to cool and then top up if needed.  Provided heaters blowing hot just keep an eye on level for a few days to ensure all air out of system.

[dbug]

Thanks mate - wasn't quite sure if that was the case. Is there a V6 coolant guide change guide around - to explain further why you can only remove 50% of the coolant at a time and the process...?

Because some is always left in the water pump

In the block mate !!

[Radar]

Thanks mate - wasn't quite sure if that was the case. Is there a V6 coolant guide change guide around - to explain further why you can only remove 50% of the coolant at a time and the process...?

Because some is always left in the water pump

In the block mate !!

[Koomorph]

I guess then start her up and let the pump do the mixing?

Yep - make sure climate on hi and squeeze hoses with cap off, engine running to bleed air.  Fill to level, cap on, quick blast up to normal running temperature, allow to cool and then top up if needed.  Provided heaters blowing hot just keep an eye on level for a few days to ensure all air out of system.

Righto - think I got the process down - sorry if this sounds really ignorant:

1)Remove radiator drain tap (and header tank cap)
2)Allow it to drain
3)Fill with water again (approx 5lt) - should drain through I'm guessing... if drain plug is out?
4)Once filled and drained through a few times - replace radiator drain tap.
5)Fill with 4.5lt of antifreez (approx) (to header tank level).
6)Run engine with header cap off, climate on HI, squeeze hoses (for 5-10mins?).
7) Top up if necessary if looking slightly low after it starts circulating?
8)Go for a drive, and check levels etc...

Thanks again
Raf

[Entwood]

Just a couple of slight amendments..

 .... once you've loosened the drain tap (you don't need to "remove" it) stick a hose pipe in the header tank and turn it on, leave for 5 minutes.. this will give both the block and rad a good flush. Do up the rad drain, fill with clean water from the hose, start the engine and turn the heating to MAX, run the engine until the temp guage has moved a small amount. Switch off and leave for 15 minutes to cool

repeat from .... a couple of times.

This ensures that ALL the water in the heater side is also cleared out, as it is easy for dirty cold water to get left there.

Once happy do a final drain from the rad drain then tighten. pour in 5 litres neat Vx red antifreeze then continue as in your 6,7,8

HTH 

[Koomorph]

Brilliant - thanks everyone for the guidance.

Now I'll just need to go and find the rad drain tap... 

Thanks again!
Raf

[Andy B]

Brilliant - thanks everyone for the guidance.

Now I'll just need to go and find the rad drain tap... 

Thanks again!
Raf

Red thing right at the bottom of the rad, passenger side.  You might need pliers/similar to slacken it off, & don't swing of it when you tighten it, tightening doesn't make it seal any better, it's the O rings that seal.

[dbug]

Bottom of radiator on near side - can't miss it its bright red!!

Tip loosen drain tap before removing header tank cap - you'll get less water up your sleeve!!

[edit]Bugga must type faster - and a piccy as well  :-/[/edit]

[Koomorph]

Excellent - can't get much clearer than that - thanks chaps!