Coolant not draining?

[JohnnieWinona]

I've been changing fluids, and making the routine adjustments at 50K. Saving, what I thought was easiest for last, --changing the coolant/flushing system. I read Steve stLaurent's discription in issue 31, read the service manuals & suppliments, all sounded routine. First thing I did was turn the petcock 1/4turn counterclockwise, and waited for the warm green stuff to run out, and nothing happened. I stuck an awl in the drain hole thinking it was clogged, it wasn't. Nothing drained! What's happening here? The coolant level has stayed the same since new, I've had no problems, why doesn't the coolant drain out the petcock? It is frustrating to be stopped on such a simple proceedure.

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98 24v 2500HD SLT 4x4 auto, longbox/regcab, towpackage, slider, cab/fog-lights, PowerLoc, factory tow hooks, flaps, 265x75 Michelin A/S, Firestone Ride-Rite air springs, LeerShell, StarCraft-StarMate softside camper, bedmat, K40radio/firestik, real red rig. Unflashed
56k asmilin’

 

[big barney]

I could be wrong about this because I haven't yet changed my coolant. I think you are suppose to turn a little and then pull out also.

 

[icarus33]

Turn and pull out is the ticket. Plug may need the careful persuasion of some flat nose pliers on the pull out the first time. Just don't get to agressive, it's all plastic as I remember.

icarus


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'98. 5, 2500, 4x4, LB, QC, AUTO, 3. 54 rear, Snugtop, Rhinoliner, ISB, non Cummins enhanced ECM, DDIIIa injectors, Transgo Diesel shift kit, KJones TC, Autometer boost, transmission temp, digital pyro, Mag-Hytec diff/transmission cvrs. , Redline lubed.

 

[Happy Camper]

A pair of pliers will do the trick. As posted above is turns counter clockwise an needs to be pulled out 1/4 to 1/2 inch. PLASTIC!! Haven't broken one but there is always a first time. What ever happened to the old petcock?

The first time I done mine I did not have the service manual and it took awhile to find where to drain it.

 

[JohnnieWinona]

Thanks, I'll give it a try this afternoon, (if the snow from last evening melts).
Yesterday, I used pliers and tried pulling and turning, but obviously not enough. That little plastic fixture scares me.

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98 24v 2500HD SLT 4x4 auto, longbox/regcab, towpackage, slider, cab/fog-lights, PowerLoc, factory tow hooks, flaps, 265x75 Michelin A/S, Firestone Ride-Rite air springs, LeerShell, StarCraft-StarMate softside camper, bedmat, K40radio/firestik, real red rig. Unflashed
56k asmilin’

 

[Bob Cochran]

I know this may sound dumb but it happened to me. Make sure to remove the radiator cap. If you don't will will cause a vacuum and the fluid will not drain.

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2001 RAM 3500 dually Quad Cab SLT, 4. 10 limited slip, HO 245 hp, 6-speed, dark garnet pearl coat, interior agate, All options except heated leather, added DeeZee brite diamond tool box, Linex spray-in bed liner, Lund hood deflector 3 piece smoke color, DeeZee brite diamond cab/bed running boards and TurboSaver (from Gino's) also Reese 5th wheel 15k hitch. No plans to bomb. This is my retirment vehicle currently pulling 21' 5er want to buy 30 to 35 for retirment.