Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Easy radiator question

[hcpBILL]

I am having difficulty with one of the easiest parts. I turn the radiator drain 90 degrees back & forth and nothing comes out. I tried pulling and pushing on it. I don't want to force anything, it's only plastic. I don't think it is plugged with deposits, there is only 30K miles since I last drained it.

Any advice?

Thanks!

Bill

 

[dcoffman]

I had to unscrew mine all the way out. I don't think a 1/4 turn is going to work.

 

[dcoffman]

BTW, if you need a radiator , I found Fisher had the best price and could get one. The new one is alum. and is much lighter. My. 02.

 

[Ram4Sam]

I am having difficulty with one of the easiest parts. I turn the radiator drain 90 degrees back & forth and nothing comes out. I tried pulling and pushing on it. I don't want to force anything, it's only plastic. I don't think it is plugged with deposits, there is only 30K miles since I last drained it.

Any advice?

Thanks!

Bill

Mine is well stuck and I don't want to force/break it. When I change my coolant, I just siphon the radiator dry with an old piece of air hose.



Sam

 

[B.G. Smith]

A quarter turn unlocks the petcock (blade up and down position) but it has to be puled out a little to drain, it is hard, I used a pair of pliers and pulled and the inside of the valve came all the way out in my hand, not to worry, if the " ring is still good which it should be, just push it back in when finished and turn the handle to horozontal position. bg

 

[SRath]

You maybe could, after making sure the valve is in the open position, cup your hand around it or attach a short length of hose and qive it a couple light blasts of compressed air to blow the crud out.

 

[kenny61]

just drop the lower radiator hose. the petcock is a PITA

 

[Joe Mc]

What all the above said is true. A suggestion, if you decide to go for it and it comes out. Take it with you to the parts house and get a new o-ring, put some white grease, or faucet grease, on it before you reinstall to make it easier to get out next time.

Oh, don't think it was mentioned above, when it comes out be prepared for a green shower . . .

 

[hcpBILL]

Thanks!



I got it without incident. I should have mentioned that the clamp for the lower intercooler connection is in the way and that complicated things making it harder to grab the valve. Yes, its a pain but there are plenty of worse things we encounter.



Thanks again



Bill