2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Radiator Drain Cock Leaking

[RJerominski]

I hope some one can help with out haveing the same problem. I changed my anti-freeze a couple of weeks ago with the help of Shade Tree article in TDR Issue 35. The drain cock shure is hard to open, good thing to know that open is only a little past a half a turn with pulling out. Now the drain cock won't stop leaking after closing it. I tryed opening it a 1/4 turn and closing it again a couple of times, still leaks. Any one know how to fix it. Thank You for the help. Ron

 

[1tuffram]

There was some talk of this a week or two ago. I can't remember the name of the thread on the subject, but from what I remember you can buy a replacment drain valve at Napa I think. Sorry for not being more help, but as I recall the good news is a leaking drain valve can be replaced without having to buy a whole new radiator $$$.

 

[PHaller]

A new 0 ring and some grease usually does it.

-Paul R. Haller-

 

[RJerominski]

Thank You Thank You

I was hoping I did not have to buy a new rad. $$$ How does the drain cock come out. Ron

 

[KEnhoffer]

Ron,



I just had the same problem. I purchased a new drain plug from Dodge for under $5. Found out though all that was needed was a new O ring which can be purchased at a hardware store. The drain plug can be removed rather easily. After the 1/4 turn when you pull it out to drain I found that if you grasp the handle with pliers you can jiggle/twist the plug out. The inside that fits in the radiator has tabs that hold it in. They are 180 degrees from the direction of the handle tab. Hope this helps you.

 

[BK]

to get it out, it's more like a 1/2 a turn while pulling out... it will come all the way out. I have to use a set of pliers on it. . I cant get a grip on the little tab to be able to turn and pull...

 

[RJerominski]

Thanks Again

Ok now I know what to do. I knew the website and you guy & gals would save me time and $$$$$$$. Keep up the good work. Ron

 

[Doc Tinker]

The trick is. . how to get it out and repair it without losing or draining the antifreeze.



Here is what I do:



Remove the radiator cap and lay a Baggy over the filler neck. Replace the cap. Remove the petcock. Enough of a vacuum should form in the radiator to prevent much of the fluid to drip out while you quickly fix and reinstall the parts. Remember to remove the Baggy when you're done.



Doc

 

[Motorhead]

The first time that I serviced a cooling system for a customer and the drain valve leaked after, I about had a heart attack thinking that I had screwed up the radiator. The valve was hard coming out and I thought I broke something. Replaced the O ring and that was all.



I "popped" a $275. 00 windshield on a Mercedes working on the cowl to get to the heater motor. :{ Needless to say, I did that job for free!!!

 

[RJerominski]

Drain Cock Fix $.60

Thanks Again, Doc I put the plastic wrap on the filler and it did help. Instead of a stream it dribbled out till I put a plug in it. The o ring size is 9/16 ID 3/4 OD. Only lost about a Qt. of fluid. I p/u the o gings at a farm store, 30 cents each. Good Luck Everyone Ron

 

[Pit Bull]

Originally posted by R Jerominski



Cock Leaking

I hope some one can help

Ron

Depends