Coolant change: Need Help!

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Jan 5, 2008 | 02:59 PM

carpe dm

Thread Starter

Le Mans Master

Joined: Oct 1999

Posts: 8,205

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From: Tucson AZ

Coolant change: Need Help!

I want to drain the radiator, and change my coolant. I tried to open what I assumed was the pet-**** on the bottom, passenger side, but NOTHING will come out!

What is the secret? The cap was off, the car level, and I could not get the thing to drain. The white nylon **** seems to turn to an open notch, and then just turns without going anywhere. ANY help would be appreciated, either here or in a PM. Thanks.

Jan 5, 2008 | 03:08 PM

hotwheels57

Race Director

Joined: Jan 2006

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From: Not on either liberal coast.

The white plastic 1/4" female "drain" is only a quarter turn as I recall. It might be faster (if that's your goal) to just remove the lower radiator hose.

Jan 5, 2008 | 03:15 PM

MrEldo

Instructor

Joined: Jan 2006

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I always found it faster to remove the lower radiator hose. Makes ahelluva mess though...

Jan 5, 2008 | 04:07 PM

ajg1915

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From: West Norriton PA

St. Jude Donor '08

Quote:

Originally Posted by hotwheels57

The white plastic 1/4" female "drain" is only a quarter turn as I recall. It might be faster (if that's your goal) to just remove the lower radiator hose.

You need a 1/4" extension to open it and theremove the coolant tank filler cap yo allow air in to the system to drain.

Jan 5, 2008 | 04:12 PM

NAVY08

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From: SoCal Twin Turbo, Any Questions?

St. Jude Donor '06-'07

Quote:

Originally Posted by ajg1915

You need a 1/4" extension to open it and theremove the coolant tank filler cap yo allow air in to the system to drain.

Then I used pressurized air from a shop blower thing to force the rest of the coolant out by making a seal with my hands

Jan 5, 2008 | 04:38 PM

carpe dm

Thread Starter

Le Mans Master

Joined: Oct 1999

Posts: 8,205

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From: Tucson AZ

Thanks guys. I've been doing this stuff for many years but have never had this problem.... I'll try again and then do the hose thing, but I know that will be a real mess.

Appreciate the help.

Jan 5, 2008 | 09:09 PM

waunavet

Burning Brakes

Joined: Jan 2006

Posts: 900

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From: Waunakee Wisconsin

St. Jude Donor '20

Quote:

Originally Posted by ajg1915

You need a 1/4" extension to open it and theremove the coolant tank filler cap yo allow air in to the system to drain.

Be careful not to turn the drain more than about a 1/4 turn or it will break. Pull it towards you as you turn it.

Jan 6, 2008 | 01:44 AM

INaband

Melting Slicks

Joined: May 2002

Posts: 3,161

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From: Beverly Hills Florida

CI 7-8 Veteran

The nipple on the drain, fits into the slot as you turn it 1/4 and pull out..I agree it's weird, I almost broke mine until I looked closer and figured it out..