[fastpakr]

For what it's worth, don't be afraid of just pulling the fuel tank if you're having trouble seeing the coolant level. Once you've done it a time or two, it's a five minute process.

 

[fastpakr]

You don't need to empty it. As long as the petcock isn't set to the Prime position, fuel won't flow (unless the petcock is broken, in which case it needs to be fixed regardless).