6.7 Radiator Drain Plug Operation?

[Bater]

Anyone have experience with the radiator drain plug on a 6. 7?



The plug on my truck turns counter-clockwise 1/4 turn, but nothing comes out. More curious to me, the way I found the plug, it would seem the handle was lined up to be in the "drain" position, but when you turn it back clockwise this is the way it parks. (Pix attached. )



Searching on TDR and elsewhere it was suggested to try a little blast of air, or wiggling the plug until it pops out a 1/4". Neither seems to work, and I don't want to break the plug with a pair of pliers. Most of those threads were for pre 6. 7 trucks too. I couldn't find specific instructions in the owner's or shop manual either.



Ideas on this embarrassingly simple issue?



Andy

 

[Alan Reagan]

After you turn it 1/4 turn, pull straight out and it will drain.



If you pull too hard, it will pull all the way out



Just firmly pull it straight out.

 

[Bater]

Alan, thanks for your note.



I will be a little more forceful with my tugging, once the anti airlock (8195) funnel I ordered shows up. This way I can replace all the coolant if the plug ends up coming out in my hand!



(I only need to drain enough coolant to do the EGR-cooler service, so could siphon etc, but am supposed to use the special funnel at refill anyway. )



Andy

 

[DanSullivan]

What is an anti air lock funnel and where do you get them, I will be needing to change my anti freeze pretty soon and never heard of this Thank You

 

[Bater]

Dan,



I just ordered one of these funnels directly from Miller tool yesterday: SPX Miller Special Tools | Detail: 8195 - FUNNEL



My understanding is this funnel keeps the coolant from "gurgling" while you fill the radiator in order to prevent air pockets in the hoses and lines. Its use is part of Chrysler's recommended procedure for refilling our trucks, along with bleeding the vent near the EGR-cooler, throttle snaps, etc. I believe the reason this is so important, is that the EGR-cooler is at about the same height as the radiator cap, and the piping to same incorporates some upside down U shaped sections.



Things today just don't seem to be as simple as when we worked on the Slant-6 with dad.



Andy

 

[DanSullivan]

Thanks Andy pricy little guy ain't it. never heard of a funnel like that before.

 

[KLauber]

Slant 6!

Things today just don't seem to be as simple as when we worked on the Slant-6 with dad.



Andy

Cool! I worked on the slant 6 in our 1963 Mercury Comet with Dad. The first car I ever drove. We changed the clutch out together too! Memories... !



CHeers,

Ken

 

[goodguys75]

Dan,



I just ordered one of these funnels directly from Miller tool yesterday: SPX Miller Special Tools | Detail: 8195 - FUNNEL



My understanding is this funnel keeps the coolant from "gurgling" while you fill the radiator in order to prevent air pockets in the hoses and lines. Its use is part of Chrysler's recommended procedure for refilling our trucks, along with bleeding the vent near the EGR-cooler, throttle snaps, etc. I believe the reason this is so important, is that the EGR-cooler is at about the same height as the radiator cap, and the piping to same incorporates some upside down U shaped sections.



Things today just don't seem to be as simple as when we worked on the Slant-6 with dad.



Andy

sounds like a scam too me... . just run the truck with the cap off for a little while

 

[dlmetzger]

It seems that attention to proper bleeding is required when filling the coolant system. TDR member 'sag2' mentioned that air bubbles could cause a failure of the EGR cooler.



The following is from the service manual (Filling - Diesel Engine):



2. 6. 7L Only. Remove vent fitting.

NOTE: The diesel engine is equipped with two one-way check valves (jiggle pins). The check valves are used as a servicing feature and will vent air when the system is being filled. Water pressure (or flow) will hold the valves closed.





Does anyone know where the 'vent fitting' is on the 6. 7L? Is there only one? Do the 2 ea. check valves go to the same vent port? I've searched the service manual but can't find it.

 

[Bob4x4]

There is an Allen head plug in the coolant tube next to the egr cooler

 

[dlmetzger]

I feel a little silly. Sometimes all you have to do is look.

 

[Bater]

Miller 8195 Coolant Funnel Discontinued

Once again, nothing is easy.



For about a month I have had on order this special Miler 8195 funnel that the Dodge service manual calls out for when refilling the cooling system. So I just called Miller to inquire where it might be. Yea, they have my order; that is the good news. The bad news is that this item is no longer being manufactured, and Miller has no idea when the appropriate replacement tool will be available. Got to love this kind of situation...

 

[dlmetzger]

Try this. I've seen others say it works just as well as the Miller tool and its cheaper. Amazon.com: Lisle 24610 Spill-Free Funnel: Automotive

 

[Bater]

Thanks for the suggestion dlmetzger; I was looking at these Lisle funnels yesterday. They are relatively inexpensive too. In the interim though I found one of the Miller 8195 funnels on eBay, and so will cancel my order with the factory since they have no idea when they will be in stock.



It appears that the Lisle funnels allow the coolant level to expand and be higher than any point on the engine, ostensibly that (and the bleeding at the vent) would allow air bubbles to work there way out. Makes sense to me, assuming that the funnel interacts with the expansion tank properly. That is among the things I hadn't figured out when looking at the Lisle product, also whether the package included the correct adapter for the radiator neck on our CTD engines.



Andy

 

[Bater]

Radiator Drain Plug "Wrench"

Thought I would share a picture of my homebrew radiator drain plug "wrench", a two dollar 1" C-clamp from Sears.



The clamp tightened down on the plug handle quite nicely, allowing me to slowly wiggle the drain open. Much better control than trying to use pliers, and stronger than my fingers alone.



Andy