Changing Coolant on BX 14RE (150 "Suitcase" block)

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Changing Coolant on BX 14RE (150 "Suitcase" block)

Post by tranentbx »

Hi,

I've changed the coolant on my 14RE yesterday but as with previous attempts, I never manage to drain off the claimed 6.5 litre capacity of the system. Yesterday I got about 2.5 litres out.

I've opened up the heater matrix full. I don't suspect a blockage (?) I did notice however that the pipes going into the heater matrix behind the bulkhead are much higher up than the rest of the system so not sure how it would ever drain?
Also, because the engine lies flat on it side, I don't see how having the main flow and return hoses above the engine works when draining?

Anyway, whilst changing the coolant, I noticed a small leak in the radiator where it's corroded right through so I'm going to change it anyway. Whilst I'm doing that, I'd like to be able to get 100% of the old coolant out.

Any ideas?

Thanks

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Re: Changing Coolant on BX 14RE (150 "Suitcase" block)

Post by Kitch »

Dab of compressed air will see you right, unless you're fully blocked up.

Then switch to waterless coolant :idea: I've just done it on one car, and will be doing it on most of the fleet. It's witchcraft!
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Re: Changing Coolant on BX 14RE (150 "Suitcase" block)

Post by tranentbx »

Thanks for the tip. will try that when I change the rad. Water looked pretty OK, not any gunk in it. hopefully there's not a blockage in some little dark corner somewhere you cant get in at :roll:

That waterless coolant looks pretty interesting though, does it still need changed every couple years?

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Re: Changing Coolant on BX 14RE (150 "Suitcase" block)

Post by Kitch »

No, the waterless coolant lasts the life of the engine. Boils at 180degrees, doesn't pressurise at 90 or so (so less strain on coolant hoses etc), freezes at -40 (into a slushy, rather than a solid) and no water or oxygen, so no corrosion.

It's not cheap, until you consider the fact you never need to buy it again.
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Re: Changing Coolant on BX 14RE (150 "Suitcase" block)

Post by MULLEY »

Apologies, post hi-jack, could this waterless coolant potentially prevent head gasket problems?
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Re: Changing Coolant on BX 14RE (150 "Suitcase" block)

Post by Kitch »

MULLEY wrote:Apologies, post hi-jack, could this waterless coolant potentially prevent head gasket problems?
Yes, very much so. Not so much on something like a K-series, which has a number of reasons which they fail (not always pressure-related), but being that most go because coolant forces it's way out of the gasket, then yes it would prevent this as there is next to no pressure. Unless your fire rings fail and the compression from the cylinder leaks out, then there's no reason for a gasket to fail.
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Re: Changing Coolant on BX 14RE (150 "Suitcase" block)

Post by Tinkley »

The problem I had with my 150C engine was the Citroen dealer filled the cooling system with tap water and antifreeze. Big mistake on an aluminium engine for several reasons, the primary one being the reactive nature of aluminium (check the Galvanic table) as well as the interface of several other metals being employed in the Pug 150 engine design, like steel core plugs.... and when one lets go, you will know about it!. I'd even advise inspecting and gently tapping the core plugs to ensure they are OK, before you refill the system.

I had no trouble after changing radiator, (which will be full of crud if distilled water has not been used), and using a 50/50 distilled water and blue antifreeze. The rest of the system was flushed through with a hose and clean water and fully drained, then refilled with this mix. I've used the 'pink' anti freeze and distilled on the 1.6 which is supposed to be good for 150k and over 6 years, with no problem.
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Re: Changing Coolant on BX 14RE (150 "Suitcase" block)

Post by tranentbx »

Hi folks, all sorted now. I flushed the system through with garden a hose. A bit of compressed air to clear that out then filled up with fresh anti freeze. It took a good few attempts to get the full 6 litres in though. Definitely not as easy as it should be!
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