Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) radiator will not drain

[DrJC]

I am attempting to drain my '96 turbodiesel radiator in order to change coolant. I've turned the plastic petcock a quarter turn left to start the flow, but nothing happens. I've repeated several times, thinking to dislodge any blockage at the petcock. No success. Same when I attempted to probe past the 3/8 drain--the probe seems to hit a "wall".



What would you suggest? I'll appreciate your advice and assistance. Thank you.



Dr. JC

Michigan

 

[edgeman]

probably dirt or something in the petcock. try a small allen wrench or something like that and try and clean it out. other than that pull the petcock out completely and drain it. that happened to mine and i had to pull the petcock out when i put it back in the o-ring crack and it leaked all over.

 

[DrJC]

edgeman,



I've tried probing with a very small allen wrench. No go.



Perhaps I should pull the petcock. Can you tell me how to go about that, so I do it correctly and don't break something?



Thanks.



Dr JC

 

[EKlem]

When you turn the petcock, you also need to pull it out. Simply turning it will not open it. The first time I did mine, I had to really fight it and was worried that it would break.

 

[Signal73]

correct, turn CCW and pull out gently. Dont pull too hard or the entire plug will come out and you will get an antifreeze bath!

 

[DrJC]

Allow me to express my thanks for your responses. The answer to the problem was there.



The key was in pulling on the petcock at the same time as turning it.



Great advice, guys, and I didn't even get an anti-freeze bath!



Thanks go to you all and this excellent forum.



Dr JC

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

It takes a lot more than 1/4 turn. It will also screw outward some as you turn it more. You may damage the o-ring so get a new one from a parts store if it is abraded or torn.

 

[DrJC]

Joe,



Thanks for the info. There is something about that plug: It is absolutely not at all intuitive in its operation. Working with it gives the feeling that you're over-stressing the part and its going to break.



Here's an interesting footnote. I completed the changeover of draining and adding new anti-freeze last week. Yesterday, the radiator began to leak at the upper tank! So, now it's on to a new radiator . . . and, of course, more new anti-freeze, to replace the leaked-out new anti-freeze.



I believe it's called "Murphy's Law".



DrJC

Michigan