Hi Folks. For those who have done your head gaskets, did you drain the coolant from the drain plugs in the block per RAVE or can you get enough out with the lower radiator hose? I'm digging into it this weekend.

 

No need to bother removing the block drain plugs.

 

I've read that many folks pull a long water pump bolt or two and it will drain coolant down to just below the top of the block passages. If you don't at least do that it's likely some coolant will get in the cylinders. Easy to mop up but I'd prefer not to deal with that and remove the block drains since it wouldn't be my first time.

As long as you have it up on jack stands it would be a good time to get acquainted with the block drains if not done before and no risk of pump leaking once back together.
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Thanks. I mean - if I don't remove the drain plugs what am I going to do with this big tube of Loctite 577 then?

 

took me more time to watch the water drain from the block then pull the plugs, very easy ones you do it the first time. i didn't have to unplug anything either. driver side needs some extensions and swivels and the passenger side is just a 3/8 ratchet and a multi point 11mm socket.

 

Just finished my 02 head gasket, I did not drain the block, want to, but could not get the drains to budge, I also did the water pump at the same time since the vehicle was pretty neglected when we bought it with the blown HG. One thing I always do when I do a HG change is get the fuel injectors professionally cleaned and flow matched since they are out anyway.