Where is the coolant drain?

[Spacer]

Hi,

I cannot find the cap to drain the coolant from the radiator on my B5 TDI.

I foolwed the giudes but can't locate it; I am trying ot change my thermostat.

Thanks in advance

[Zenerdiode]

Two drain points; one is in the base of the water pump (a 17mm bolt IIRC) and the one in the radiator. To access the radiator one, remove the front bumper, remove the AC condenser (don't disturb the hoses, it's designed to lift up, swing round and hang on the O/S/F wing with a couple of bits of coat hanger) and you will see the drain screw at the bottom left ( - right, as you look at it )

It will be a large red plastic screw. There is a stub where you may attach a small bore hose to direct the flow.

[Spacer]

Two drain points; one is in the base of the water pump (a 17mm bolt IIRC) and the one in the radiator. To access the radiator one, remove the front bumper, remove the AC condenser (don't disturb the hoses, it's designed to lift up, swing round and hang on the O/S/F wing with a couple of bits of coat hanger) and you will see the drain screw at the bottom left ( - right, as you look at it )

It will be a large red plastic screw. There is a stub where you may attach a small bore hose to direct the flow.

Sounds a bit complicated to do, am I am reading you right?

[A4 Lad]

Sounds a bit complicated to do, am I am reading you right?

Or just take the bottom hose of the radiator but good luck with the metal clip

[Spacer]

Or just take the bottom hose of the radiator but good luck with the metal clip

Where exactly is it located mate?

[hibbsy21]

I managed to drain mine without taking anything off. on the lower right (as you stand in front) of the radiator there is a small round stub thing sticking out. You'll probably need some pliers to get it undone.

[Spacer]

I managed to drain mine without taking anything off. on the lower right (as you stand in front) of the radiator there is a small round stub thing sticking out. You'll probably need some pliers to get it undone.

Like the sounds of that lol. Does your model have air con and if so does that matter where the outlet might be?

[jjh-b5]

The condenser doesn't have any effect on the location of the drain plug. It's just a bit in the way, especially if your pulling the whole radiator out. As was posted above it will swing away to the left (as you look at the car from the front). I normally cable tie it to something to support it. Don't disconnect the hoses. If your just going a coolant change you may be ok with getting just the bottom plug out of the radiator and blowing the coolant through or flushing it with the hose pipe!. If your rad is very old you may find there will be a lot of rust and crap behind the drain plug at the bottom of the rad. Don't forget the car should be totally cold when doing this. You will need to bleed the system properly when refilling also.

[Spacer]

The condenser doesn't have any effect on the location of the drain plug. It's just a bit in the way, especially if your pulling the whole radiator out. As was posted above it will swing away to the left (as you look at the car from the front). I normally cable tie it to something to support it. Don't disconnect the hoses. If your just going a coolant change you may be ok with getting just the bottom plug out of the radiator and blowing the coolant through or flushing it with the hose pipe!. If your rad is very old you may find there will be a lot of rust and crap behind the drain plug at the bottom of the rad. Don't forget the car should be totally cold when doing this. You will need to bleed the system properly when refilling also.

Thanks for the reply mate. I am trying to change the thermostat and obviously need to drain the system first before doing so.

I am trying to pinpoint exactly where the hose is that I need to find to drain the system as I spent a few hours on Saturday and couldn't see any way of doing it.

[Sam]

http://www.taligentx.com/passat/main.../coolantflush/

It's a US based 1.8T so remember RHD vs LHD and TDI vs 1.8T but it's all there with pictures.