Archived Radiator Petcock Broke?

[MJCW01]

Draining radiator to do a flush. Petcock opened up ok but now does not want to close. Read other threads that the whole thing will come out and it has an O ring on the end. Mine will not come out or close. Pushed, Pulled to no avail. Any idea's? Feels like it clicks every quarter turn either way.

 

[MMeier]

I sometimes have to get a set of pliers in on the act. Might be best to buy a new one in case you need it, sometimes after I "think" I'm done, stupid thing would start to leak . Only like $4 in the help section at the parts store.

 

[Missouri Mule]

I have read you have to turn real slow and push, something about a groove it has to fit in.



I have never used mine. I undo the bottom of the radiator hose usually at the engine.

 

[MJCW01]

Thanks for the replies. I tried the pliers and I cant get what seems to be the groove. I think its broke. Going to pull the whole thing out tonight and take to the radiator shop . Bummer!!!

 

[CPG]

Missouri Mule is right. There is a groove to guide this pushing or pulling with pressure. This is not an uncommon problem with these drains on a pm service. It is to advantage to have another plug for stand/by, also take it easy with plyers. The "O" ring on the end if needed can be obtained from any good auto supply store. Good luck.

 

[MJCW01]

I cant get the petcock to come out or go in. Its almost like its frozen or something. it does have a click or bump every 1/8 turn or so. going in and going out.

Thanks for your reply.

 

[TClemens]

Keep playing with it, itll go in, I had to buy a new o-ring for . 30 from the hardware store, its got a very narrow area to get it to go in, once it gets to the end you gotta pull it out, or try to push on it then turn to get it back in.

 

[MJCW01]

Going home to fight with it!!! Thanks for the replies.

 

[LandShark]

Be sure to lube the o-ring with o-ring grease (silicone grease).

 

[MJCW01]

Tugged, pushed, pulled, twisted. Still couldnt get the petcock to close or to come out. I ended up pulling the radiator. What a job that is!!! WOW! I did finally get it out after about 2 hours. Off to the Radiator Repair to see what they say. Hopefully they can fix the petcock. Next time I'll take the shower by pulling the lower hose!!! Lesson learned.

 

[MJCW01]

Radiator shop pulled the petcock valve out with a pair of pliers and put a new one in. Old one was stripped out. $4 later, I'm putting the radiator back in. Went back in way faster than it came out.

 

[KnightR]

Like the man said replace the O ring if it leaks. Don't forget to lube the new O ring I did'nt and it leaked. Made a 1/2 turn and reseat it. Stopped. But for how long. Probaly when the pressure builds up I'm be out in the middle of BF egypt and bawam eeee.