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Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks  Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
Lots of work on Brad's part ... pure enjoyment (and references) for you!
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| | | | Joined: Apr 2011 Posts: 96 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Apr 2011 Posts: 96 | Is there a way to drain the antifreeze out of the block of a 216 or will it come out on its own when the radiator drain plug is removed? (had to remove to replace) I just want to make sure my block doesn't crack. | | | | | Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 9,115 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 9,115 | If you have a good mixture of antifreeze in there, the block will not crack. | | | | | Joined: Apr 2011 Posts: 96 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Apr 2011 Posts: 96 | I miscalculated the mixture I'm not sure what the percent is in there. I don't see the plug and I can't see the pic in the link | | | | | Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 1,388 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 1,388 | You can buy an antifreeze tester at the FLAPS for little money. A good thing to have in the tool box. | | | | | Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 1,554 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 1,554 | I just looked at a picture of my 216 and the drain on the block is below the intake/exhaust manifold near the back of the engine right next to the bellhousing. I can send you the picture if you like, I had to zoom in on it to see the drain. Dave
1941 Chevy"First rebuild - complete!"Follow the story in the DITY1941 GMC resting peacefully 1946/1947 Chevy Street rod on s10 frame complete 1945 GMC panel truck in line for restoration 1941 Plymouth stock complete 1941 GMC COE in restoration processRead his Project Journal1941 Chevy Coe uncertain future resting now
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 9,671 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 9,671 | Petcock on the Lower Right side of the picture, just above the mast jacket and just below the oil pressure line and horizontal accelerator rod. Lowest point on the block, open that and it will drain about all of the coolant from the engine. http://www.pbase.com/dennygraham/image/136174281/original Denny Graham Sandwich, IL
Denny G
Sandwich, IL
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2011 Posts: 96 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Apr 2011 Posts: 96 | thank you, I'll head out and take another look. | | | | | Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 940 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 940 | How much coolant does the 216 take? I was told 1.8gal then cut 50/50 w/ water which comes to about 4gal. After draining, I can only get about 1.8 gal in. Runs perfect, does not over heat at all. | | | | | Joined: Apr 2009 Posts: 554 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Apr 2009 Posts: 554 | Don't be too surprised if nothing comes out of the drain hole Denny has indicated. If it does you are in good shape but that seems to be an area of the block that frequently gets blocked with a very herd deposit. You will be able to tell as soon as you open the drain. You may have to remove the whole drain plug, not just turn the threaded part.
Chuck | | | | | Joined: May 2006 Posts: 423 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: May 2006 Posts: 423 | Oh, and then you may need to poke around in the drain plug hole with some sort of wire to get the flow going. That crud can be pretty hard to break through.
It may not be the easy way, but it is the Cowboy Way - Ranger Doug Beware of the stories you read or tell; subtly, at night, beneath the waters of consciousness, they are altering your world. - Ben Okri 1953 Chevy 3100 1960 Volvo PV 544 1941 Chevrolet Special Deluxe | | |
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