Beneteau 361 - coolant change - how?

[Philip_Oceanis 361]

I would like to change the coolant in the boat. Getting it out of the exchage heater is the easy part. But what about the rest of the coolant that goes into the boiler situated under the start port side cushions? The boiler is at a lower point. I still haven't figured out how to drain it and then refill it.
Any ideas from owners?
Thanks

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

I Have Exactly the Same Problem ...................

.................. on our H310 with the water heater lower than the engine.

You could drive yourself nuts removing hoses, draining antifreeze all over the floor, and terrifying your dock mates with your insane ranting and raving. :cussing:

A far easier method is to change the antifreeze every other year and just remove what you can from the engine which will be the majority of it. Ignore the volume left in the hoses to the water heater and the water heater coil itself. You will be continuously replenishing "most" of the the corrosion inhibitor in the coolant which is the only reason for changing the coolant anyway.

 

[Honeyman]

Depending on engine there is barely 1 1/2- 2 gal. total in the whole system. I drained the block from lowest petcock then disconnected the two hoses that run from engine to heater, then I used my wet dry vac to suck the hose dry. No problemo!!! Once again, depending on engine, the only thing to watch out for is to get the air out of the highest part of the heater hose connection up near thermostat. My Yanmar had a little bleed valve cut in already.

 

[Skipper]

Maybe you could use one of these gizmos:
http://www.wholesalemarine.com/pc/I...nge+Pumps/Drill+Pump+Boat+Oil+Change+Kit.html