Antifreeze change - problem - need help

[JEmmons]

I need to change my engine coolant, but having difficulty. I'm not very mechanically inclined but usually don't have problem with easy tasks like this. I found the drain valve on the drivers side. I opened that and took off radiator cap, nothing comes out. Is there something that I'm missing? Help.

------------------
1998 RAM Cummins Diesel 2500 4x4 club cab/long bed, auto with 3. 54 rears. Horton electric fan clutch, fuel pump up 15%, K&N air filter, Kitty and muffler MIA. Rhino liner, Centerline comet III,s (16x8), Kelly 285/75/r16, Smittybuilt nerf bars, Lund bug shield, auxillary back up lights, Combo Pyro/egt gauge on a-pillar, Pioneer system w/ 12-disc changer, two amps and a pair of Rockford 10" under seat. Factory OEM fog lights.

 

[Missouri Mule]

Are you sure the drain plug is opened and not closed?
Anti freeze in the raidator?

------------------
Bill Thomas
Missouri Mule - 96 Wht 4X4 ST CC,5 spd, 3. 54, 8 ft bed, 1 ft high cheater boards.
99 Freightliner bl/wht FL60 ISB-5. 9 24v,215 hp,520 tq,6 spd, 3. 59 nsr,16 ft box, 19. 5 tires,Wt/gvw 11,000/23000

 

[LSMITH]

John, you may need to pull out gently on the drain valve. If I remember correctly they are not a cam type of valve, they do not open automatically when you turn the valve. I also remember that it is made of plastic, so go easy with the pliers. Hope I helped.

------------------
99 2500 QC 4X4 AUTO SB 24V LARAMIE SLT 3. 5 LSD 285-75-16'S SPA Boost/EGT Rancho 9000's Everything but leather NRA Member Great Lakes TDR Member

 

[radixr]

John,

My valve is very hard to turn (impossible with just fingers). If nothing is coming out, you haven't turned it (counterclockwise) enough. If you can, back the truck up on ramps and/or park it on a slope to raise up the rear end of the engine. You will get more coolant to drain out that way. I also removed the lower radiator hose to get more coolant out.

------------------
1996 Dodge 2500 4X4 SC, SLT,Cummins 12V, 5-spd. , JRE 4" exhaust (my kitty ran away into the woods and the muffler fell off!), TST 280 HP/685 Ft-Lb Uprate Kit, AFC Spring Kit, ATS 3-piece Exhaust Manifold, Chrome Valve Covers, Horton Fan Clutch, Jacobs/Ram Exhaust Brake, MagHytec Differential Cover, Prime-Loc, Rancho RS9000 Shocks, Combo Gauge, K&N Air Filter, Brite-Box, Geno's finger-touch oil pan drain plug, Optima Yellow Tops, no turbo silencer ring, full-time fog lights.

 

[illflem]

You have to turn it, sometimes with pliers to loosen it, then pull towards the rear of the truck.

 

[dieselburner]

Turn it about 1/4 turn counter clockwise with pliers and then use your hand to pull it out and continue turning. Work it back and forth a little bit and it will free up. If you leave the cap on the radiator at first, it will drain the overflow bottle by suction and then you can remove the cap and drain the system.
Steve

------------------
1998 2500 Quad Cab, 12V, 5spd, 4x4, HD Transfer Case, 370HP Diamond B Injectors, #4 TST, 16cm2 Housing, AFC Spring Kit, BD Governor Spring Kit and other governor modifications, Walker Muffler, 285/75-16 BFG AT's, Stainless Steel Tube Steps, Reese Fifth Wheel Hitch, Leather, CD, LSD Dana 80 Rear, 60 Front, McLeod Dual Disc Clutch, Rancho RS9000 Shocks, Rancho Steering Stabilizer, ATS Exhaust Manifold, Psychotty Air Induction, BD Exhaust Brake, Enterprise Engine Delivery Valves

 

[JEmmons]

Thank you for everyones help. I was able to turn it 1/4 turn. I did not try pulling it out and to continue to turn. I will try that. I am very appreciative of everyones willingness to assist.

------------------
1998 RAM Cummins Diesel 2500 4x4 club cab/long bed, auto with 3. 54 rears. Horton electric fan clutch, fuel pump up 15%, K&N air filter, Kitty and muffler MIA. Rhino liner, Centerline comet III,s (16x8), Kelly 285/75/r16, Smittybuilt nerf bars, Lund bug shield, auxillary back up lights, Combo Pyro/egt gauge on a-pillar, Pioneer system w/ 12-disc changer, two amps and a pair of Rockford 10" under seat. Factory OEM fog lights.

 

[grtescpa]

Originally posted by John Emmons:
Thank you for everyones help. I was able to turn it 1/4 turn. I did not try pulling it out and to continue to turn. I will try that. I am very appreciative of everyones willingness to assist.

Befor you try draining with the plastic plug, go to the dealer and have a spare on hand. Mine started leaking after the change. The dealer told me not to use the drain plug because they had to many fail on them. My dealer removes the lower hose and lets it all out with a splash into a large drain pan.
Good luck
Bill

 

[JEmmons]

Mission accomplished. Just pulled on it and wallah. Who'dve thought. Thanks again for everyones input. Its good to know that this resource is available and if were'nt for the members, it would not exist.

------------------
1998 RAM Cummins Diesel 2500 4x4 club cab/long bed, auto with 3. 54 rears. Horton electric fan clutch, fuel pump up 15%, K&N air filter, Kitty and muffler MIA. Rhino liner, Centerline comet III,s (16x8), Kelly 285/75/r16, Smittybuilt nerf bars, Lund bug shield, auxillary back up lights, Combo Pyro/egt gauge on a-pillar, Pioneer system w/ 12-disc changer, two amps and a pair of Rockford 10" under seat. Factory OEM fog lights.

 

[DieselDoghouse]

Glad you got it coaxed out. Remember too officially our 12 valves should be refilled while shut down, unlike most gassers- there is a short u-shaped hose you'll see near the top radiator line- it and a wiggle valve in the thermo displace trapped air so if you fill slowly, you shouldn't have any air pockets. Sure beats trying to change my ol' Nissan truck!