Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Radiator drain plug:

[TOConnor]

I'm trying to drain, flush, refil my 2001 Cummins coolant system but I can't get the radiator drain to drain!

Its a flat plastic piece that can be grasped with pliars. I can turn it 1/4 turn CCW but no fluid emerges. I've done the normal twisting, pulling and banging to no avail.

Help please, my sunny Sunday is rapidly dissappearing.

Tom

 

[JohnBoy5]

i took the lower hose off and put a big rubber maid tote under it and got what i could and let the rest go.

 

[JohnBoy5]

what coolant did you buy?

 

[seafish]

I have often found that sediment settles to the inlest side of the petcock, and thus little or no fluid flows out, as the small orifice petcock is plugged with sediment. A little compressed air blown into the petcock, witha rubber tipped blower, clears it out and fluid then drains normally. That being said, I don't know why your petcock is only turning 1/4 turn. Maybe just use the lower hose method like others have posted. Good Luck.

 

[Ram4Sam]

Mine is also stuck, has been for years and I figure if I force it, it will break. I just take a short section of 3/8" air hose and siphon it out through the the neck.



Sam

 

[TOConnor]

Radiator drain plug

Thanks for the replys gents. It's obviously a common problem. I'll try the compressed air first, if that fails I'll do the radiator hose trick.

tom

 

[SMorneau]

napa has the plug. I have posted the number before. Looking at the new one will help you get the old one lined up and pulled out. I have been thru about 3 of these plugs. Thank god they are what goes to crap and not the radiator side. They are a stupid design and when they strip it makes it hard to remove. I actually carry a spare in my boonie bag.

 

[JohnBoy5]

napa has the plug. I have posted the number before. Looking at the new one will help you get the old one lined up and pulled out. I have been thru about 3 of these plugs. Thank god they are what goes to crap and not the radiator side. They are a stupid design and when they strip it makes it hard to remove. I actually carry a spare in my boonie bag.

if you happen to run across the part number again will you post it on here?

 

[B.G. Smith]

The plug has to be turned 1/4 turn then pulled out about 1/4" before it will drain. bg

 

[Bob Cochran]

This has been my experience as well but worry a lot about breaking the dang thing. I have started of late using the bottom radiator hose instead.

The plug has to be turned 1/4 turn then pulled out about 1/4" before it will drain. bg

 

[ed9824v]

The plug has to be turned 1/4 turn then pulled out about 1/4" before it will drain. bg

X2 will open it for me it did

 

[SMorneau]

A search on my username yielded this under an obvious thread title.



SMorneau (08-22-2009, 11:23 PM)

If the drain cock is the same as the 96 trucks you can get a plug for it a NAPA for about 6 bucks includes O-ring. PN 605-1372. I keep an extra one in stock as they seem to get messed up easily enough. Fortunately, it is the plug and not the plastic radiator that gets trashed.

 

[Joe Mc]

Yep, 1/4 turn then wiggle gently as you pull. To get it all the way out I think it's another 1/4 turn then gently pull. It's best to get the plug out and replace the old O-rings. I lubed them with Vaseline before putting the plug back in.

Tricky little bugger it is.

 

[JCyrbok]

I'm trying to drain, flush, refil my 2001 Cummins coolant system but I can't get the radiator drain to drain!

Its a flat plastic piece that can be grasped with pliars. I can turn it 1/4 turn CCW but no fluid emerges. I've done the normal twisting, pulling and banging to no avail.

Help please, my sunny Sunday is rapidly dissappearing.

Tom

Huh, my suggestion was gonna be turn it and then pull out a bit, thats how mine works.



What about turning it and then sticking a wire or similar "tool" in the oulet of the spigot to see if that knocks whatever if blocking it loose.



J-