Miata Mailing List: February 1996, Message #85
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   From: Mark Ow 
Subject: Coolant draining tips
   Date: Fri, 2 Feb 1996 13:20:25 -0500




FWIW, I invested $32 in a vacuum pump (Minilite I think) which I attached   
    

to the overflow hose (from the overflow tank itself) and attached the
inboard hose (going into the overflow tank) to one of the small hoses
which attaches just below the thermostat housing itself.  Before you
start this, ensure that the overflow tank is just below the first line
and you'll be ok.  Then you can use the pump to cause a vacuum in the
overflow tank to "pull" the coolant into the overflow tank.  You can then   
    

remove the thermostat housing w/out spilling any coolant.  Reverse the
connection on the pump (to blow air) and the coolant will flow back into   
    

your system.  BTW, don't forget new gaskets and to torque the bolts
carefully (steel bolts into an aluminum housing).
Used this procedure when putting in my Jackson Racing Cold Air Induction   
    

kit.

This tool will pay for itself as it works GREAT in changing brake fluid   
    

by yourself.

Hope this helps,
Mark

> Can I replace this without
>draining the coolant? Is it messy? And should I go for the cooler
thermostat
>ashas been discussed in regards to performance?

 >       Any tips or hints or tricks to changing the thermostat. I don't   
    

have
>a manual.