how do I drain my Dodge 2.2L engine before the big freeze

[DogBunny]

Trying to protect my 1983 non-running stock 2.2 rampage engine from freezing. I disconnected the lower radiator hose, but it doesn't seem like enough water came out. Is there something else I should do? It's just water, no anti-freeze. Tonight's predicted low is 5 degrees.

 

[member28833]

Run it till warm. Drain the radiator too. Perhaps even the heater core by disconnecting heater hoses?

 

[mike in idaho]

Remove the thermostat, then re-attach the upper hose. Get a gallon of antifreeze and pour it into the top hose with a pan under the lower hose. Pour what drains out back through a few more times to make sure it mixes.

 

[Jim]

I had a Dodge 2.2 ages ago. Don't recall anything special about draining it. But like I said, that was ages ago. I suppose if you're not absolutely sure, you could hook the hose back up and pour in a gal of -30° antifreeze?

 

[member28833]

"non running" gotcha

 

[DogBunny]

Remove the thermostat, then re-attach the upper hose. Get a gallon of antifreeze and pour it into the top hose with a pan under the lower hose. Pour what drains out back through a few more times to make sure it mixes.

Thanks to everyone who responded. This is a good idea. Going out now to try it.

 

[DogBunny]

So, this is working. What about the heater core? I don't even know where it is on this car. Looked at pics of new ones, and the inlet and outlet are on the top. Any ideas on draining (and finding) it?

 

[Jim]

Any ideas on draining (and finding) it?

Should be 2 hoses going into the firewall. Disconnect them and alternate blowing shop air into the hoses until no more water comes out.

 

[DogBunny]

Should be 2 hoses going into the firewall. Disconnect them and alternate blowing shop air into the hoses until no more water comes out.

Great, thanks.

 

[DogBunny]

Cover of the April 2021 Hot Rod magazine. Expect Rampages to suddenly get a lot more expensive.

https://www.hotcars.com/dodge-rampa...forgotten-pickup-into-an-outrageous-race-car/
Then there's this 200 MPH Rampage, which aired on Discovry + Monster Garage on 2/8/21. Glad I got my Rampage when I did.