Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Radiator drain cock

[Crash&Burn]

Trying to change the coolant but can't get the petcock to work, it turns easy a bit more than 1/4 turn ccw.

The writer of shade tree in issue 35 says 1/2 turn but mine won't turn that far.

I tried blowing compressed air in it, in case there was scale stopping it up, no luck.

Anybody been here?

 

[Thomas]

Turn and pull.

 

[Crash&Burn]

Turn and pull.

How hard do you pull?... ... ... ... I tryed that... . feel like something was about to brake.

 

[Beach]

I opened mine about two week's ago for the first time and it also felt like it was going to break. I held my breath and turned it a little more and it kind of pushed itself out and open. I also attatched about 4" of 3/8 hose to it to avoid splattering coolant all over. Work's nicely. Good luck and remember to breath after you get it open!

 

[Ram4Sam]

C&B, I went through just that when I did mine last year. I didn't want to deal with a broken valve so I jst left it alone. I siphoned it out instead with a piece of old air hose. Alot less worry for me and you can get practically all of it out.



Sam

 

[Thomas]

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It's about a $6 part at the Mopar counter: P/N 52028466AB DRAINCOCK, Radiator​

 

[KTobin]

You'll have to pull on it as you turn. It will want to stop after 90* ccw but if you pull, it will go to 180*ccw.



Kevin

 

[WyattEarp]

same problem here, had to take a pair of small pliers and turn it to break it loose, those drains aren't in a very good spot, hard as heck to get to if they thing won't break loose by hand...

 

[LLiddell]

Check to see if it leaks when you start putting in the coolant. The seal on my 99 is an Oring that splits very easily. If it is Sunday and no dealer is open you can match the oring at your hardware store.

 

[hammersley]

I should take a picture next time - BUT it is a PITA

You do almost think you'll break it - but you do neeed to turn and pull... . I put a small vice grip on - it has an o ring on - pretty durable - but I suppose you could break it..... if you have a camera - take a photo when done... .

 

[Crash&Burn]

Thanks everyone for the help..... got her open, my problem was the pliers I was using were hitting the intercooler clamp... (its dark up there) I loosened the clamp and rotated it out of the way..... then the petcock backed right out.