Technical Facelift thermostat replacement ‘66 Pop drain questions

[Derbyfella]

Right back on the car with a view to selling now as Mrs has new Rockstar

Noticed that there is orange crusty fluid round base of thermostat so obviously starting to leak. Looks like battery tray has been out before…. There is no liner - retaining nut that you reach through the tray isn’t there, two little threaded bolts on the side of the ‘ECU’ are missing all of which I don’t really give a chuff about.

The big question is do I have to drain the whole system down for this?
It looks like the leak is the small pipe from the thermostat ie plastic connector.
Can I just remove top pipe from radiator. (Thermostat or radiator end)
I hated removing bottom connection from radiator before. Although bumper is off at the moment
Lastly how much fluid is in the system? More than 2 litres?
I have a basin but I’ve just used it for gearbox oil catcher -albeit cleaned afterwards

I have done this before but I had bottom hose off

Also the single use hose clips - are these easier to remove with a hose clip tool? Halfords hose clips are just jubilee clips

 

[John202020]

No need to fully drain
System holds about 7L
Just remove the small pipe from thermostat to drain enough, then the large

 

[Derbyfella]

No need to fully drain
System holds about 7L
Just remove the small pipe from thermostat to drain enough, then the large

Brilliant thank you!

 

[The Panda Nut]

Right back on the car with a view to selling now as Mrs has new Rockstar

Noticed that there is orange crusty fluid round base of thermostat so obviously starting to leak. Looks like battery tray has been out before…. There is no liner - retaining nut that you reach through the tray isn’t there, two little threaded bolts on the side of the ‘ECU’ are missing all of which I don’t really give a chuff about.

The big question is do I have to drain the whole system down for this?
It looks like the leak is the small pipe from the thermostat ie plastic connector.
Can I just remove top pipe from radiator. (Thermostat or radiator end)
I hated removing bottom connection from radiator before. Although bumper is off at the moment
Lastly how much fluid is in the system? More than 2 litres?
I have a basin but I’ve just used it for gearbox oil catcher -albeit cleaned afterwards

I have done this before but I had bottom hose off

Also the single use hose clips - are these easier to remove with a hose clip tool? Halfords hose clips are just jubilee clips

I would replace the ECU bolts any vibration won't do it much good. Easy to drop. ClickR pliers remove the hose clips but access to all of them is poor. The quick release couplings on the the lower hose never seal again in my experience, so best left alone anyway as they are only supplied with a new hose.