Coolant system drain

[TheCaptain]

A few months ago I posted about the situation where I broke down after my radiator decided to explode.  The cheap plastic capping physicaly split along the top, spewing coolant everywhere.

Now that I have a replacement rad, my question is how can I fully flush and clean out the entire system without installing the new one and gumming it all up?
I dont really want to run the Jeep with a split radiator and have it spray everywhere...

She looks pretty gummed up so I would like to remove the engine block drain plug. 

Any tips?
 
Cheers!

[SwampSinger]

the drain plug is on the passenger side at the bottom of the rad... take that off and the rad cap ..it should do it.

there's always a bit of coolant that stays in the block... i'm not too sure how to drain the hole thing.

[S-FLY]

I just had mine flushed.  I went to Lube City and they hooked up a pressurized system which flushed 16 liters of coolent through the block, heater core and rad at 15psi.  It was expensive though, $160.

[RckyMtnTJ]

When I did mine, I couldn't reach in and get too the block drain.  My arms and hands were too big.  Definitely a good idea too do a thourogh job.

[dac]

With the bottom rad hose off and the thermostat off (might want to replace it while you have the coolant out) you could flush out the block.  If it's gunky though you may want to throw the new rad in, wait until its warmer and then add a gallon of vinigar and leave it in for about a week.  It's cheap and works pretty good to loosen everything up; then flush it.  Or use rad flush, either way you'll need to put the new rad on and seal up the system to run it and clean out the gunk that's stuck on.

[TheCaptain]

I had a hell of a time last night trying to find the block drain plug tucked up in there.  Couldnt figure out how to A) reach it somehow B) how to even remove it!

I've taken the rad out and have been pouring water in the upper hose and letting it drain out the  lower.  Seems to running pretty clear.  Good tip regarding the thermostat.  I will be replcing that for sure since I've got everything disconected.

If anyone is thinking of replacing theirs as well, Bowness Auto has one for $188 and a new $6 rad cap.  Great deal as it is the cheapest I've found around here do date.

[S-FLY]

To add, I was at Princess Auto today and they sell a $7 tool that allows you to hook up your hose and flush water through the system.  To get the water out, there's also what appeared to be an air fitting as well.  I assume to use air last to push the water out, then fill the rad with your premixed coolent/water combo.