changing coolant

[furball]

I'm looking for tips before I change my engine coolant for the first time. Just wondering if it's best to try to catch it as I drain it or just pump out the bilge after I open both drain-cocks? Anyone have a good way to catch it as I drain it? I've read posts here on flushing first but I'm happy to get you opinion on it again as well as info on where to connect to flush the system. I not planning on flushing it first, just drain and refill but I could be convinced otherwise.
Thanks
John

[RobS]

Probably different preferences for different folks - I'd venture to guess you'd get good info searching the threads on boatdiesel.com....

[RicM]

This is the official word from Yanmar....

http://boatdiesel.com/BDR/Forums/Attach ... CA08040441

My mechanic suggests Rotella antifreeze, also a Dex-cool type product.

[jcollins]

Try this for folks that don't have a membership.

[Cape Codder]

John,
On my 2003 LP6 Yanmar, the drains for the coolant on either side had clear plastic tubing that was*supposed* to help drain the coolant in a controllable fashion in to a pail etc.
Problem was the tubing would not stay on because they had gotten so brittle.
I plan on buying a few feet of tubing and redoing for the end of the season/winterizing.
Then the coolant can be drained into a bucket and dispose of properly instead of dumping it into the bilge.

[chiefrcd]

Just remember what goes in your bilge goes in your noise.