Hi All,

Looking to drop and replace the coolant in my 4.4 TD 8. Can I do this without a vacuum pump?

Yes, definitely.

I did it mine a few months ago. I used exactly the same method I've always used on any car - draining from the bottom and then topping up slowly and letting the car get up to temperature and allowing it to vent trapped air from the top as per the wiki. I expected to have to repeat the venting procedure several times but didn't have to and it's been perfect since. 2012 TDV8 Westminster in the New Forest

Also: Land Rover Series 3 SWB, Mercedes 280SL, Classic Mini race replica, VW Golf SV
Previously: Audi A8, RR TDV8 Vogue, Audi Allroad, VW Golf GTI Edition 30, Audi A4 Avant, A8, A4 Sport, A6, VW Golf Mk5, Bora, Golf GTI Mk3, Jetta Mk3, Passat, Jetta Mk1, Golf Mk1

Thanks Shaun.
Had looked for this in wiki but could not find it.
Can you point me in the right direction for the entry please?
Ben

Sorry, Ben. I should have referred you specifically to the 2010-12 Workshop Manual in the wiki.

Refilling with and without using a vacuum pump are covered in separate sections. Although it talks about partial draining and filling as I said I drained mine right down and followed the non-vacuum process and it worked fine.

It comes under Engine > Engine Cooling > Cooling Gen Procedures > Cooling System Partial Draining, Filling & Bleeding.

Hope that helps.

Regards

Shaun 2012 TDV8 Westminster in the New Forest

Also: Land Rover Series 3 SWB, Mercedes 280SL, Classic Mini race replica, VW Golf SV
Previously: Audi A8, RR TDV8 Vogue, Audi Allroad, VW Golf GTI Edition 30, Audi A4 Avant, A8, A4 Sport, A6, VW Golf Mk5, Bora, Golf GTI Mk3, Jetta Mk3, Passat, Jetta Mk1, Golf Mk1

remember to wash and clean the small radiator behind the front wheel arch, often called the Auxiliary Radiator, often neglected at routine coolant changes

Click image to enlarge

So valuable thanks all.
pcourtney - what is the method you use to clean out the auxilliary?

I used a Karcher ( pressure washer ) to clean all the old dirt and road muck off the outside of the aux radiator, and ran a garden water hose through the rad for 2 or 3 mins, inside of the rad was ok, but the outside was very dirty, which is why I suggested you look at it being in Oz

NB I had to take the front RH wheel off to get good access.