What is the best way to get the coolant out of the head before pulling it? I am checking for a head gasket failure? The last time I pulled the head coolant went everywhere. I have drained the radiator and pulled the bottom hose off. This is probably basic, but separating the head and having coolant leak all over the driveway and into the block is disheartening. Gary

Pulling the lower hose will usually drain most, if not all, of the coolant. I suppose you could pull the thermostat housing and thermostat and stick a hose in the head and try to suction out any remaining fluid with a shop vac, but some spillage usually must be assumed when pulling a head.

Remove the drain plug in the block. It is on the passenger side, to the rear of the oil pump. You will probably still get a little water draining from the head.

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Charrlie_S
65 Valiant 100 2dr post 170 turbo
66 Valiant Signet 225 nitrous
64 Valiant Signet
64 Valiant 4dr 170

Drain.

Flush with water so you're just dealing with water. Have bottom hose disconnected.

Remove thermostat housing, remove thermostat, put thermostat housing back on.

Disconnect radiator hose from top of radiator. wrap rag around tip of airblow gun and blast with compressed air for awhile

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Ed
64 Valiant 225 / 904 / 42:1 manual steering / 9" drum brakes

Once block drain plug is removed you may have to break through some crusty buildup with a screwdriver or such to get coolant to flow. This will drain most of coolant from head, a little bit will still remain so have shop vac at the ready to suck any spillage from cylinders.

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67' Dart GT Convertible; the old Chrysler Corp.
82' LeBaron Convertible; the new Chrysler Corp
07' 300 C AWD; Now by Fiat, the old new Chrysler LLC

You can also jack up the rear of the vehicle and let gravity do the rest... it will get most of it... but some will remain
due to the rough casting in the jackets...

Wow! You guys are terrific. Thanks! I will post updates and provide info on my 1965 A100 pickup 225 super six project.