C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Radiator drain plug?

Old Jun 2, 2008 | 04:22 PM
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Default Radiator drain plug?

I have an 87 Vette and am getting ready to change the radiator fluid and clean everything out. I have the car jacked up and ready to go, but I can't find the drain plug. Need Help! What do I have to remove and am I looking in the right place. Thanks, Todd
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Old Jun 2, 2008 | 04:24 PM
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Hi,

Your radiator drain plug should be at the lower passenger side end of the radiator. Mine is an 86and it's almost not visible easily because it's UNDER the lower radiator hose, Mine looks like it has a T type handle and it's made out of plastic. It was easily replaced with an off the shelf part for 8 bucks in case you lose it or break it. Good luck!
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Old Jun 2, 2008 | 04:35 PM
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Default Drain

Should look like this

Right side lower end at radiator - correct
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Old Jun 2, 2008 | 05:44 PM
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Thanks, so much. I went outside and found it immediately. It is so great to have the help I get from this Forum. Rock On. / Race On.
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Old Jun 2, 2008 | 09:33 PM
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Do you just want to drain the radiator only, or do you want to also drain the block? If you want to drain the block, remove the knock sensor on the passanger side. There may be a build up of rust and you may have to break thru this with a screwdriver. That drains the passanger side. There is a plug on the drivers side to drain that side of the block.
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Old Jun 3, 2008 | 04:16 AM
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Default Drain

But if you drain the block at the knock sensor make sure to thighten the knock sensor with the correct torque indicated in the service manual, otherwise it can be damaged
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Old Jun 3, 2008 | 11:48 PM
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So I'm only half done? Can you explain what the knock sensor looks like and does the plug look the same as the radiator t handle plug to drain the block? I'm really confused now. Send help.
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Old Jun 4, 2008 | 12:03 AM
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The plug on the drivers side is steel, six sided and about 1/2 down the block. You will need a 6 point socket since this has pipe threads (tapered). The knock sensor is on the passanger side about 4-6 inches in front of the started. There should be a shield over it.....there is a electrical plug into the sensor. You have to remove the shield, then unplug the wire (I think you squeeze this fitting on the wire), then unscrew the sensor.

Have you ever pulled heads or intake? If you have you would have noticed that even after draining the radiator there was still coolant in the heads and block. To drain the block itself, you have to take out the two plugs (1 plug and 1 sensor).
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Old Jun 4, 2008 | 12:34 AM
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I didn't heed the above advice when I flushed my system. It was a real pain in the but. I will pull the plugs for sure next go round. Later! Frank
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Old Jun 4, 2008 | 10:41 AM
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Then after I let it drain do I just fill the coolant up the regular way? Or do I have to fill the block up a different way. This is turning out to be some job.
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Old Jun 4, 2008 | 11:02 AM
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I still cant find it. Help!!
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