or ANYWAY to get to the cylinder block drain plug on escort van 55...(yplate) non turbo.bearing in mind that this is a driveway diy.Heater was/is not working ,flushed radiator and thermostat etc but could not get plug off to drain cylinder block..Heater STILL not working so was thinking that because I didnt drain/clean old coolant from block that this might be the problem ,am I on the right track ?

ed.

What colour is your coolant in your filler tank?

Red,but why would this be an issue

Rusty/murky colour?

[quote name='DanGersFord' timestamp='1361396590' post='237429']
Rusty/murky colour?
[/quote]

Yea was till I flushed rad.new coolant added ,still no heat.

Sounds like different colour coolant has been mixed in the past. That rusty red colour is caused by a chemical reaction and you're right enough about the block. I had this problem with my fiesta mk6 the block was choked solid because of this chemical reaction had to flush it through about 4 times to get it clear. Im presuming you havent removed the interior fascia around the heater controls? Have you checked the heater cable hasnt slipped out of position?

Hi D/G/F thanks for your help so far.So are you saying that I defo must flush the engine block(presuming I get the plug/bolt off.it's in an impossible place on old escort van) If I do get the plug off where do I flush it from ie where does the flushing water go in. Will take a look at the fascia surrounding heater 2morrow.

cheers ed.

Open up the plug at the bottom if/when you manage it and flush it from the expansion tank. Not sure how you could do it without draining it properly sure it would be possible though. Suppose you could take it to a garage n get them to do it

[quote name='DanGersFord' timestamp='1361402070' post='237471']
Open up the plug at the bottom if/when you manage it and flush it from the expansion tank. Not sure how you could do it without draining it properly sure it would be possible though. Suppose you could take it to a garage n get them to do it
[/quote]
[quote name='DanGersFord' timestamp='1361402070' post='237471']
Open up the plug at the bottom if/when you manage it and flush it from the expansion tank. Not sure how you could do it without draining it properly sure it would be possible though. Suppose you could take it to a garage n get them to do it
[/quote]

Hi D/G/F followed your advice and eventually found the engine drain plug and removed (not without a few oaths being offered)Cut a long story short I now have working heater which I'm hoping will improve even more when topping up with more coolant (ran out and reckon am at least a litre+ short.

thanks....ed.

Id give it a couple of months and flush it through again just make sure you use the same coolant/antifreeze. Dont mix colours. I had to reflush mine just to get the rest of the crap out after its had a good run to get the remainder of the crap out