Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Radiator Petcock

[RClark]

Today i tried to drain the radiator. the manual says to open the petcock.

It is plastic and appears to be of the type that only requires a 1/4 turn.

i did this with no results.

Am i wrong? Does it have to be opened several turns? Could it be plugged?

Is there a tool that works on the petcock? it is next to the aircooler outlet hose clamp, which is in the way.

I'm sure that someone out there has had this problem.

 

[rkressg]

Turn left and pull out. It will be tight and you will probably need a pair of lineman plyers to get it off. You can also spray it down with some PB Blaster to help loosen the valve. You are doing it right, it just takes around 2 turns; you will know when the valve comes out of the rad about 1".

-Rich

 

[RClark]

Pb?

Turn left and pull out. It will be tight and you will probably need a pair of lineman plyers to get it off. You can also spray it down with some PB Blaster to help loosen the valve. You are doing it right, it just takes around 2 turns; you will know when the valve comes out of the rad about 1".

-Rich

What is PB Blaster? I've never heard of it and I have a cabinet full of chemicals.

 

[rkressg]

PB Blaster is a penetrating chemical. It is used to loosten things that are stuck.



Check out:

http://www.pbblaster.com/

 

[RClark]

PB Blaster is a penetrating chemical. It is used to loosten things that are stuck.



Check out:

http://www.pbblaster.com/

Thanks. i know i have something like that.

 

[B.G. Smith]

It turns 1/4 turn then pull out, be prepared for the plug in the petcock to come all the way out when you pull on it with the pliers, not to worry, it will run anti freeze down your arm but will go back in and work ok. bg.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

I suggest removing the petcock, replace the o-ring and lube it with silicone grease or other waterproof grease. The o-ring often tears enough that it will leak on re-installing.

 

[snapshot]

Can you tell us the size of the O ring? I would like to have one on hand before I tear up the old one. Is it the same size for all 2nd gen?

 

[Thomas]

FWIW - P/N 52028466AB DRAINCOCK lists for $ 5. 20 at the Mopar counter.

 

[McCRam]

For an oring, I used a 9/16 id 3/4 od, with a 3/32 section.

 

[joemyers]

Actually, you do not have to take it all the way out, I just did my coolant change and just unscrewed it CCW to the stop(about one turn) The thread is coarse and it will back right out to the stop. I used a length of 1/2 " vinyl tubing bushed down to 1/4" to drain it. You still need to take the lower radiator hose off to get the most complete drain. JMTCW

 

[Makensmoke]

If your doing a coolant change you should get a look at the front of your radiator. If at all like mine it will be half plugged with crap because of the oil breather up there. I change my coolant/remove my radiator and powerwash it bi-annually. When doing it this way you have to remove the hoses anywho, which lets you leave that slow petcock and its $5. 20 oring alone. Its hard to see down there between the intercooler, use a light from the inside or something if you have to.

 

[PC12Driver]

Good time to change the belt with the radiator out, too. A bit more room to work in.

 

[RClark]

Good time to change the belt with the radiator out, too. A bit more room to work in.

The belt is a lot easier if you remove the curb side alternator bolt, loosen the top bracket, and push the atlernator toward the engine.

Creates a lot of slack.