Coolant doesn?t drain from drain bolt? 2012 250 ec

[Si176]

Hi guys. I?m brand new to Gasgas. Just bought an almost new 2012 250ec.

I keep losing coolant. Not a lot but maybe half a cup full.

I?ve just bought some silkolene mag cool and thought I?d change what?s in it. The manual says to drain via the drain bolt on the water pump. I?ve taken the bolt out but coolant doesn?t drain out. Is this to be expected?

It would seem the coolant previously used (probably from the factory) isn?t as good as it should be. Around the neck of the radiator filler cap I?ve found some sugary type substance which stops the radiator cap sealing properly and is probably through the cooling system now.

Should removing the drain bolt allow the coolant to drain?
How can I drain and clean the system before putting fresh fluid in?
Anyone seen this before?

Thanks in advance guys

 

[Neil E.]

Did you poke into the hole with a piece of wire? There may be some sediment blocking the hole. The coolant will drain better if the rad cap is off. Note that the waterpump shaft can rust and cause the waterpump seal to leak. The sealing faces may still be in good shape; the rust on the shaft will allow coolant to creep past the stationary seal element. If your gearbox oil is off-colour, it could be getting mixed with coolant. The coolant level is normally a little above the rad fins with a cold engine.

 

[Si176]

Thanks for taking the time to respond. I haven?t tried to poke the hole, but I will try again tomorrow I?ve just change the gearbox oil and it looked fine. I didn?t didn?t remove the water pump cover in case I couldn?t get another gasket. I did have the radiator cap off though. I thought it might be sediment as you suggested or maybe air looked .

 

[Si176]

That worked a treat, don?t know why I didn?t think about it. Thanks Neil

 

[swazi_matt]

IF you really want to flush out the system properly yo can mix 50:50 spirit vinegar:water
And run the engine for a few minutes then drain and flush with water