I'm thinking of changing the coolant and performing a radiator/engine flush on a Mk1 Fabia estate.

I have got myself a Haynes manual and typically it doesn't seem to show any pictures of what's involved, it just says remove this hose, remove that hose, undo the drain plug etc. I don't know what items they are talking about, so I'm just wondering whether anyone has made any how-to guides as to what's involved? If not does anyone have any pictures showing where everything is?

Also I'm assuming that the under tray needs to be removed to catch the old coolant? And for the flushing it's just a case of running water from a garden hosepipe through the system until clear water emerges?

Thanks!

Which engine? I'm just waiting for my coolant to cool down to do mine this afternoon if possible

I've done mine a few times before but the gunk has come back and the thermostat o ring needs replacing. Probably need to change my headgasket in the long run.

I've got the 1.2 engine.

Some step by step pics to make up a little guide would be great, even if it's done on a different engine, it should give a rough idea of what is located where. I'm also planning on changing the o ring as well, so pics of doing that would be really helpful as well.

I'm glad I asked now and caught you in time!

Cheers...

Which engine? I'm just waiting for my coolant to cool down to do mine this afternoon if possible

I've done mine a few times before but the gunk has come back and the thermostat o ring needs replacing. Probably need to change my headgasket in the long run.

It is necessary to change it often? What gunk?

It is necessary to change it often? What gunk?

I think the recommended schedule is every 2 years if you are not using the G12 plus coolant, I plan to refill with G12 plus so hopefully it should then be maintenance free for the life of the vehicle. The gunk is probably a mix of corrosion and ageing of the coolant.

Edited 13 July, 201114 yr by SkodaFabiaOwner

I did my Polo the other day (epic fail that was!) and just found the radiator and looked for the lowest pipe coming out of that - checked it was coolant and not for the a/c or something, and removed it and flushed it out with a hose pipe.

Might be able to get pictures if you want, although the front bumper might block the view a bit.

*Edit* SkodaFO - they're up to G12++ now

Edited 13 July, 201114 yr by TriggerFish

It is necessary to change it often? What gunk?

I suspect in my case it is oil. I am guessing either the headgasket is leaking slowly at present, or my previous flushes have been unsuccessful at dissolving oily deposits made by a previous headgasket failure before I owned the car. I'm mainly doing it because coolant is leaking at the thermostat though between the thermostat and the cylinder head - and have a long journey planned soon. Wouldn't want to empty my coolant during it

Asked garage about headgasket when I had the MOT done, but they said it would have shown up on emissions. I think the reality is they only see cars with headgasket failure when people have steam coming from the bonnet and it overheats.

Pics from a Fabia would probably be better, unless the Polo is identical?

Pics don't need to be hugely detailed, just really need pics of where the drain plug is, which pipes to undo/redo and where the O ring seal is. As above, I just don't want to go depressurising the fuel or AC system or disconnecting the wrong hoses. I'm a fairly competent DIY mechanic but I like to look at each job one step at a time and have all the knowledge before steaming ahead and making an epic fail. We are a 1 car family and it needs to be ready for constant use, so mistakes aren't an option.

Thanks everyone...

Don't think it is that simular, but thought I'd offer.

Plus I did nothing relating to drain plugs/ o-rings either. :no:

No probs TriggerFish, thanks for the offer though matey!!

Will try get some pics together. As a brief guide....

The drain **** is usually on the radiator bottom fixing. To use this requires removing the under tray, or attaching an appropriate diameter hose to the tap underneath. I personally just remove the bottom hose at the engine end and let the coolant come out that way. To remove the hose clips I use mole grips. Most of it will go in a kitchen bowl placed underneath, but inevitably with this method some will go on the road. This will rinse away as you flush the engine anyway.

To flush the radiator, with the bottom hose still removed at one end, remove hose from thermostat. Place hose end in the hose freed and let water run through for a while. If you want to back flush the radiator, put your garden hose in the bottom hose and direct the top hose down to the road so all water flows away from any engine/electrical components.

Next for the engine block, I reattach the thermostat hose, remove the thermostat temp sender and put the hose in there with the o ring, water flowing through this point goes through the cabin heater and the engine block.

Whenever the garden hose is used I hold a cloth around the opening to keep any stray water away from components.

Here's my post. Hope it's somewhat helpful

http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/207323-14mpi-changing-thermostat-and-flushing-coolant-system/

Contamination aside, coolant systems should not be drained and flushed, as you increase the risk of metal erosion inside the engine. Coolant reaches a saturation point, whereby it stops eroding metal. Some fancy chemistry involved which I forget but I was told this by a chemist who works for a petro-chemical giant.

Heard of that one before too. Been Googling but can't find anything.