Hi All, I have a 2004 2.8 JTD Ducato based motorhome. I want to change the water and antifreeze. It looks very difficult to get to the outlet of the radiator and it has the orginal clips on which I cant see how to undo them, and if I can get to them it will drain all over the ABS pump. So is there another way to drain it all down. Thanks.

First it is impossible to drain the cooling system completely of coolant. You will be lucky to get 60% of the old coolant out. The engine block does not have an drain plug & neither has the radiator so the only method is to remove the two radiator hoses & as the jubilee clamps are the "use once" type you have to cut them off with a pair of side cutters & replace them with S.S. worm drive clamps. I am not sure if removing one of the smaller hoses on the lower side of the block would result in more coolant release.
The easiest way is to remove the LH headlight assembly which involves the wiring plug, the two screws on the assembly & the "clip-in" ball socket located on the guard side behind the parking light & it may have to be levered out from up under the wheel arch. This will at least give you easier access to the radiator hose clamps.
When replacing the headlight ensure the ball retaining clips of the socket are in the correct position before reinstallation of the headlight. As for draining over the ABS pump I just removed the hose slowly so as not to flood coolant everywhere & cover it as best as possible & then washing the pump off with fresh water after.
Cheers

I have a 2006 2.8 JTD Ducato Maxi and also need to drain the coolant to replace thermostat.

Removed the intercooler hoset top of engine and airbox hose.
I just removed the Front grill and left hand side headlight.
Finally, i can see the radiator hoses.

However, I do not see a drain plug or bleed screw so confirm Freespirit's comment.
I am astounded at not seeing a bleed plug at least unless it is well hidden?

The bottom hose and clamp is still not easy to get to.

Did you remove the front bumper and/or the radiator fans and shroud
before removing the bottomhose?

Did you start with the top hose first?

I want to catch as much coolant as possible...without drenching all those sensors and connectors.

Hi Icevovo

Sorry for the late reply, as I said in my original post I removed the passengers side head light - 2 retaining bolts, pull the grey retaining clip towards the centre of the vehicle to allow the wiring connector to be removed from the back of the headlight.
Then behind the parking light/indicator there is a ball & socket which retains the outer part of the headlight which just needs a solid pull to release it, which then allows enough room to cut the "use once" clamps & to drain the radiator, I also removed the cap from the expansion tank & let it all go.
then replaced the hose clamps with worm drive ones. Care needs to align the ball with the socket when replacing the headlight. I didn't remove the bumper or fans to get to the bottom hose just the headlight.
Cheers

My 1993 TD10 is different but the idea works for most cars.

To change the refrigerant I cut off the clamp on the lowest hose and on both heater hoses, and pull off the hoses.

With the air line blow through the heater hoses to empty the heater and blow into the heater outlet in the head to encourage complete draining.

Replace the hose clamps with either Ford spring clamps or worm drive clamps. This way you will get almost all the refrigerant out.

Your attempt to catch the liquid will not be successful, it goes everywhere.