Coolant change help needed ASAP

[FunkyFresh]

Okay, I started working on replacing the radiator coolant today on my 97 disco. I have a repair manual that told me the general steps. I disconnected the hose and located the two engine block drain bolts. I removed the drivers side bolt pretty easy. It was in super tight but I got it out. The passenger side is a whole 'nother story though. It's almost completely blocked. The only possible way to reach it is with this tiny wrench I have. Just getting the wrench on the bolt is a challenge. It was getting dark and my hands were getting sore. I loosened it up but now it's in a position where I can't grip it with the wrench any more. I'm almost thinking I could just leave that side plugged and flush and rinse the cooling system with just that one bolt on the drivers side. What should I do? How do you guys get this stupid bolt out????

 

[joey]

I personally have not removed the engine drain bolts.... I removed bottom hose first, which drained 90% of everthing, then replaced all hoses. Removed the thermostat, and rain strait water through the system with engine running with heat on in cab until everything was clear. Then I Drained the water again. Then I added antifreeze and then added water until it was full at the top plug on the radiator. Then I filled the overflow/fill tank.

 

[beemer]

On my 95 D1 while the radiator was being recored (more rows than factory) a drain petcock was added on the lower radiator neck. You only have to fight that 3 way rubber hose once before adding a drain. Both block plugs can be reached and removed. You should use only distilled water only when flushing or mixing coolant. The block holds a fair amount of coolant so not removing plugs your guessing on the 50 / 50 mix. Replaced with allen head plugs.
The block alone holds over 4 quarts, your statement of 90% drained means Rover's cooling capacity is over 40 quarts, I don't think so Joey.

Where can one get a brass radiator vent plug, plastic is a failure item waiting to cost you a motor.

.....=o&o>.....

 

[joey]

You can get the brass vent plug and just about any LR parts places...

4 quarts in the block alone, I didn't know that. at 11 liters total, which is about 2 and 1/2 gallons, I guess I was off by 50%, but when I drained my Disco I got more than 1/5 gallons our of just the hoses and radiator, of course that 11 liters also includes the heater core.... Oh well, with almost 130k on my disco and it still runs great and with out issue I don't mind.

I figure I have done the same on my buick and it has 208k on it and no issues, I can't complain there either.