Winterizing question

So I had a quick questions on winterizing as I am about to do my first.

I plan to drain the block, manifolds, U-tube, water strainer and trans cooler. I will remove the RWP and then pour antifreeze via RWP hose .

My question is after draining the block and Manifolds. Do I put the plugs back in then fill with antifreeze, leaving the plugs in for the winter, with the block fill of antifreeze?


Simple question but it wasn't clear from all the posts I have read and just wanted to make sure.

Yes, always reinstall the drain plugs- regardless of whether you drain only, drain/fill, or drain/fill/drain. Leaving the plugs out will allow the bosses to corrode and you may not have any threads left to reinstall the plugs next spring.

PCM Fords are easy to fill via the RWP outlet hose (which connects to the stat housing), per the instructions in the PCM manual.

On all of my non-PCM's I fill via the large circ pump hose.

FYI, if you drain the heater core/shower pump properly, no need to get antifreeze through them... never popped a heater core after blowing it out and then pouring A/F into the block.

LOL, I knew you girls would be all over the "method other then yours"

Proper drain is crucial regardless of pour or suck-up, so not sure the relevance there Timmy.

My method has worked for almost 30 years, if it takes 5 mins longer who cares, suppose I will never get those 2 hrs back however, lmao

quinner wrote: LOL, I knew you girls would be all over the "method other then yours" Proper drain is crucial regardless of pour or suck-up, so not sure the relevance there Timmy. My method has worked for almost 30 years, if it takes 5 mins longer who cares, suppose I will never get those 2 hrs back however, lmao

Because the pour in method is quicker and cheaper (wastes no antifreeze)?

Any excuse to suck, I suppose!

Every balance tube I've come across was mounted at least at 45 from horizontal, allowing for a natural drain.