Archived radiator drain valve

[MAX A/C]

My '04. 5 is sitting in my driveway with no coolant because I can't get the radiator drain valve/petcock to tighten back up. I drained the system to change out the coolant for preventive maintenance. Tightened petcock, filled with water, drained, repeated, now won't tighten. The first two times were not easy, but it did manage to catch finally. On this, the third time to tighten, it just won't catch ater several hours trying it. The engineer that came up with this design should be tarred and feathered. #@$%! I can't believe that such a simple concept can be made so difficult.



Can anyone tell me if the "wing" of the valve goes to a vertical position when it will catch to tighten (internal threads line up?) or horizontal or 45*. I've tried pushing in while turning as hard as I can. I've tried pulling while turning to see if I can just pull it out to replace the whole dam thing. No luck, it just turns while captive. Help!!!!

 

[Missouri Mule]

If it like the 2nd gen radiators the hole the petcock fit into has straight indentation in it (crack) the petcock has straight edge on one side these two have to mate up. Once they are mated push in then turn



Turn the petcock slowly to mate them up.



You mite want to pull the petcock out to make sure it is not damaged.

 

[MAX A/C]

It is a bit different externally than the 2nd gens... could be the same internally, I don't know. In my search of the forums, I saw some info on the 2nd gens but nothing specific to the 3rd gens. I don't know if it works the same as the 2nd gens or comes out like the 2nd gens... boy, have I tried pulling and pushing on it!

 

[B.G. Smith]

The blade should be vertical to push in or pull out, then turned to horizontal to seal. It doesn't screw, it just turns and should pull out slightly then drain when turned to vertical. I had to use a pair of vise grips on my 99 because it was difficult to get a good hold on it with my fingers. When I put the vise grips on it and pulled it came all the way out in my hands. It has an "o" ring on it and I just snapped it back in place. Never gave me any problems other than being hard to operate. bg

 

[MAX A/C]

Just wanted to post the ending to this saga.



Try as I might, I could not get the draincock to screw back in. I tried over a period of a few days, hoping the stars would be in a better alignment.



I ordered a new draincock from the dealer ($17) and asked the service writer about it. He said the old one should pull out. I tried, and broke the wing off without it coming out. I gave up and had it towed to the dealer. They were able to get the old one out. How, I don't know... trade secret, I guess.



So, about $200 in tow/repairs and $50 in coolant later, I have my radiator drain/fill job done. Not to mention two trips to the dealer and several days' down time.



Thanks, Dodge, for the fine engineering job on the chintzy plastic draincock!

 

[FKovach]

FKovach

I had he same problem with my 04. 5, luckily for me I was able to fill the radiator with water an drive to a nearby shop. The mechanic told me he reached up through the drain with a pick and released the valve. Upon examination of the old valve, The first few threads were damaged, thus preventing the valve fron starting. Next time I drain the radiator, I will siphon the fluid out.

 

[JJPage]

It's not just Dodge, My wifes Cadillac did this, GM wanted to sell me a whole new radiator end cap(plastic). I took a 3/8" thick piece of white plastic off an old NAPA mudflap, traced a circle around a quarter and cut it out. Then I drilled and tapped it for a brass petcock and used something like JB WELD, and glued it into the radiator.



Never let loose, I kept an eye on it for awhile, waiting for it to give up. Car was totalled a couple of years later, but I stopped worrying about it.

 

[Buddy's Ram]

I also had this problem on a 2004. 5 while changing the water pump and coolant. I had to buy a new petcock from the dealer. (They had to order it) The new petcock fixed the problem but does not operate any better than the original. Next time I will pull the radiator hose.

 

[MChildress]

I have heard several folks having problems with the pit cock breaking and pulling out. I think I will do as mentioned above and just pull the lower hose when draining.

 

[kc5uih]

Could one of you fellow owners post the part number for the replacement drain valve? I myself have an '04. 5 and have ran into the same issue.

 

[LRutigliano]

Spray the crap out of it with WD40 or CRC 556 with a straw. The rubber gasket needs some lube to help with pushing back into the hole and the threaded portion.



I had the same problem as the OP and was sure I broke it. I even went to the dealer the next day to buy a new one and I saw the seal/gasket and then the light came on to spray it with the lube...

 

[Grizzly]

Does the 05 have the same petcock system as the 04. 5? I like the idea of pulling the lower hose.

 

[Grizzly]

Spray the crap out of it with WD40 or CRC 556 with a straw. The rubber gasket needs some lube to help with pushing back into the hole and the threaded portion.



I had the same problem as the OP and was sure I broke it. I even went to the dealer the next day to buy a new one and I saw the seal/gasket and then the light came on to spray it with the lube...

Great idea. You always have good ideas Louis.



george

 

[LRutigliano]

Great idea. You always have good ideas Louis.



george

WOW! Thank you George!! but good ideas usually only come from bad experiences... :-laf

 

[kc5uih]

I found the DC part number: 52029087AA