There were several makes or radiator used-none were fitted with drain taps-some had a drain plug but as already said,the normal way of draining was to remove the hose.The car would normally be supplied with 10 year anti-freeze(the ten year refers to the anti-corrosion elements) and would not require regular servicing of the coolant.

Further to that.. Some tips for changing the anti-freeze.

When the bottom hose is removed and the old coolant gushes out and you catch it in, say, an old washing-up bowl.. You'll find that what comes out isn't the amount stated in the manual. That's because a lot is left behind in the heater and, in my diesel Fiesta, the EGR cooler. You could, if you're silly like me and don't mind poisoning yourself, blow down the header-tank filler orifice! I got another two litres out that way.

Refilling is the same, you can't fill up in one go. Fill to the mark, run the engine for a while, and the level will go down as the coolant is pumped into the far reaches of the system. When you go for the first run, the level will go down again, and will have to be topped up again. So, you aren't going to know just exactly how much new coolant is going to go back in. You've got two choices.. Either mix the correct ratio of anti-treeze to water, more than you'll really need, and keep what's left over for any future top-ups - Or - work out the correct quantity of anti-freeze to put in the system and put that in first, then top up with water as the coolant is pumped around and the level drops.

I didn't use tap water - but that's me. Don't trust what's in it these days. In my old, damp house I have a de-humidifier. It gives me two litres of distilled water each day. I used that. Or you could use a pot of 'de-ionised' water from your local car-parts shop, especially if you live in a hard water area, or if the local authority has deemed that you can tolerate having Hexafluorosilicic acid in your tap water. Wouldn't want any of that in my car engine!

Just one of the problems due to bean-counters saving pence at the expense of easy serviceability, I imagine clips are cheaper and quicker to install than Jubilee clips.

certainly are.

and remember the engine is dressed and the suspension assembled separately from the main production line with easy access before the engine/chassis are 'married' to the body.

The thermostat will close almost as soon as you start draining-and it will certainly be closed as soon as the fresh anti-freeze goes in.Thermostats have a small hole or a "nick" inthe edge of the valve to allow air to escape or the A/F to drain.