Hi ed14,
Here you go - I found some nice instructions, with photos, for the 3 Series (E-36).
3 Series (E36) (1991 - 1999):
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/index.php?
[photo]
"This is the radiator drain plug located at the bottom of the driver's
side (left side if you're in the car) of the radiator. If you jack up
the car, lay underneath it and look towards the front of the car, this
is what you should see, although some of the drain plugs are black.
Use a large flat bladed screwdriver to loosen the plug, or you can use
an 8mm socket--it's really easier to use a screwdriver, but do
whatever the hell you want--it's your car. Put a hose up to the drain
plug and remove the plug so the fluid flows into the hose. Make sure
something else is on the other end of the hose to catch the fluid
besides your neighbor's bushes...oops..."
[photo]
"While the fluid is pouring out, open up the radiator fill cap and
unscrew the vent plug (the blue arrow) with the same flat bladed
screwdriver. This will help to turn the uncontrollable dribble coming
out of the drain into a gushing mess." [photo]
"Climb back underneath the car and locate the engine block drain plug.
This is on the passenger side of the engine, hidden underneath the
exhaust headers (as seen in the foreground in the picture). You can't
see this from the engine bay, so don't waste your time looking. Trust
me. Anyway, use whatever you can to open it (I used an open ended
wrench, mine was 19mm, I've also heard 13mm). WORD OF CAUTION--lay as
far back as you can and just 'feel' your way to that plug 'cuz when
you undo it, fluid will go EVERYWHERE since the headers are blocking
the direct path to the ground."
[photo]
"See? I told you. Note the drain plug on the ground. Note the bucket
under where the coolant should have been. Note the half gallon of
coolant all over the ground. It was at this point that I found out
that coolant really does taste sweet! Mmmmm! ANOTHER WORD OF CAUTION:
ethylene glycol is not a food product; please do not eat or chew!!!
After the coolant is done spiling out everywhere, put the plug back
in. You can get a replacement crush washer for the plug if ya want,
it's probably better that you do. Don't tighten it up too tight, cuz
in my procedure it's going to be removed again!. In retrospect, maybe
if you put a big ass funnel up to the drain plug it wouldn't be as
messy. Oh well."
[photo]
"Put a hose in the radiator and turn it on. This will kinda clean out
the radiator. Next, turn on your car and turn the heater on to full
blast. This will help to get the thermostat inside the engine to open
up and start circulating the water from the radiator though the
engine. Run this for about five minutes, or until the water comes out
clear. Or go crazy and do both! Your cooling system is now flushed."
http://www.logun.org/waterpmp.htm:
I was glad to find this for you. If you have any questions, please
post a clarification request *before* closing/rating my answer and
I'll be happy to reply.
Thank you,
hummer
I searched the Bimmerforums - The Ultimate BMW Forum |
