HELP! Radiator drain - won't drain & where's the "Jiggle Pin"

[Joe Mc]

Wanted to get a jump on tomorrow's festivities - (adj. valves, change coolant and the r/caliper - again! Got the caliper off no sweat - can do it with my eyes closed now . Then moved on to drain the rad. I fully read issue 35's Shade Tree. Problem is the rad drain will not. 1/4 turn ccw, pulled out until it stopped and I could see the underside of the plug but no flow? I tried wiggling some soft wire in the drain spout to loosen any dirt but no luck. Is there an "O" ring that is stuck or something? I definitely do not want to screw up the drain and end up buying a new radiator (plastic junk). HELP - What am I missing? I know I could drop the bottom hose, but prefer not to get soaked with the green slime:{



Also, issue 35, page 78 mentions: "The Cummins has a vent valve (called a jiggle pin) to vent air from the engine as coolant is added. " Unfortunately, the article never states where it is, or how to use it.



It's dark now :{so I'll pursue tomorrow, after I pick up the 2nd "LIFETIME" warranty caliper. At least the part is free, just stinks having to change the right caliper every 8 or 9 months



I know it's Friday night, but I'm sure theres got to be at leas 100 or so of us on this site - somone has got to have the simple answer for these two questions.

 

[Ron Bissett]

Had same problem just had to chance it and it did after pulling and turning started to drain small flow until bottle was empty then opened the cap on radiator got full flow . I know the feeling while pulling on the cheap looking plastic valve (the what will I do if the thing brakes now ) . Best I can do . Ron in LOUISVILLE KYOo. Oo.

 

[LarryB]

Joe

Did you take the radiator cap off to let air in?

 

[BK]

it does turn more than a quarter turn, it also can pull competely out and shower you with coolant... the coolant will run out of the whole that the drain plug goes into.



I dont bother with waiting for it to come out of the freekin tiny outlet. . I turn the plug and pull the whole thing out.

 

[samb]

Joe Mc,



The jiggle pin is located in the thermosate to allow air to pass through the thermosate when it is closed so that the water will deain out. The pin will close off the hole when the engine is runing.



Sam B

 

[Joe Mc]

BK - so when you turn it 1/4 you go a bit more - then pull out?



samb - no wonder why there's no reference to where the jiggle pin is or how it works - silly me:-laf



Thanks guys I can sleep easier now

 

[BK]

I think it was more like like a 1/2 turn and it pulls out completely... . watch out for the wosh of water.

 

[Chipstien]

Originally posted by BK

I think it was more like like a 1/2 turn and it pulls out completely... . watch out for the wosh of water.

Nah, don't worry about it. Just bath under the truck instead.