How much coolant should be drained from the cooling system when replacing the intercooler?

When replacing the intercooler, it is necessary to drain coolant up to a level that allows for effective and safe replacement of components. Draining the coolant to below the level of the intercooler ensures that there is sufficient room to remove and replace the intercooler without risk of contaminating the engine or other components with excess coolant.

Draining all coolant would be excessive for this specific task, as it is unnecessary and could lead to air entering the system. Similarly, draining only half the coolant does not provide the precision needed for working around the intercooler. Draining just enough to cover the hoses may not adequately lower the coolant level, potentially causing spillage or complications during the replacement process. Therefore, the correct approach is to drain the coolant to below the level of the intercooler, facilitating a smoother and cleaner replacement job.