Technical Thermostat replacement/Radiator drain

[IceVovo]

Hi Guys.

I have a 2006 2.8 JTD Ducato Maxi and need to change the thermostat.
Gee it is in an awkward place.

Does anyone know of a the best way to drain the radiator so that I can save the coolant or catch most of it.

The eLearn manual seems to have little detail on this procedure...
Is there a better service manual for this 2.8 JTD x244 style van?

I have removed the Intercooler hose, airbox hose, the front grill and left headlight.
However, I cannot see a bleed/drain screw on the radiator?
...Cannot believe(shocked) they left that out...for this vehicle?

Plus getting to the radiator hoses still seems quite difficult. :bang:

Do you have to also remove the front bumper?
Mine is one big piece?
There is a bolts each side just back approx 20cm from the front corner under the fender. Very awkward to get to!
This why I ask if the bumper needs removal to make the radiator work easier?

Do you remove the radiator fans and shroud first?
Not much room to get onto the radiator hoses!

I wanted to save most of the coolant...if I can.

Any tips or best way would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance.

 

[IceVovo]

Thanks in advance.
I should add after reading an old post from Freespirit.. to drain the radiator..
Anyone else done this job before?Any tips?

I removed..
1. Intercooler Hose
2. Air hose to Airbox
3. Front grill
4. Left headlight

But getting to Lower radiator hose is very tight still.

Do I keep removing parts?
eg.
Do i remove the Front Bumper?
It is difficult to reach a bolt on the side fender underneath 20 cm from the corner.
It would be diffcult to get out and put back in?


Do I remove the Fans/Fan shroud?
May require moving the Power Steering reservoir to the side?

Anyone else done this job?Any tips?
Are there bleed screws for the radiator? I heard it mentioned but cannot locate it.

I am trying not to dump coolant everywhere.

 

[IceVovo]

Just an update.

This is one of those standard jobs made to be as painful as possible!

You can do this by Disconnecting the lower radiator hose.
Which Not that easy to get to.
You will lose coolant!
Freespirit did mention this in 2011.
Note. This may be country and model specific for the location of things in the engine bay?
This may even only apply to the Automatic model? The manual may be easier? Don't know as never seen the manual version!

But this is not the best design for regular maintenance....at least for my model.
I guess space was limited in this engine bay....in order to give a bigger load area.
I get it.
But Be prepared for much cursing when doing this job! lol