I'm about to replace my heater core on a 2000 C70. Do I have to drain the coolant first or is there a way to avoid having to drain it?

 

Some of the write ups you read show how you can minimize your coolant loss with out draining. I replaced both radiator hoses and the thermostat at the same time with the heater core so did the drain.

 

A friend and I replaced heater cores yesterday. I have a 2000 C70 and he has a 2000 xcountry. Both heater cores were shot. The xcountry's was worse but both were bad. We drained the coolant from the radiator and while I guess you don't have to I wouldn't do it any other way. Make sure to put the heater core in a trash bag before removing it. We caught almost all of the coolant remaining in the core this way which was easily 3 cups worth. All and all an easy repair.

 

If you use a pair of pinch-off pliers on both heater hoses and the bag idea you should have very minimal coolant loss

 

I thought about that but there didn't seem to be a lot of room in the engine compartment where the hoses turn to rubber. Draining wasn't too bad and it was due.

Thanks!