Draining the Radiator Question

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Apr 21, 2007 | 10:25 PM

BlackWidow01

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From: Sugar Land Texas

Draining the Radiator Question

When I was preparing to flush the coolant, I located a round plug on the lower right corner (passenger side) of the radiator.
My question;

Is that the drain plug I located? It doesn't look like any drain plug I've seen before.

Do I need a special tool to open it? I don't see a nut to loosen.
Any help would be appreciated.

Apr 21, 2007 | 10:36 PM

94legaleagle

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From: Rugby North Dakota

yep, that's the drain plug - if I recall correctly, it is a square drive and you can turn it w/ a 1/4 inch socket or a flat screwdriver - I believe you turn it a 1/4 turn

I'm about to go find out for the SECOND TIME, as I get ready to swap the SPRING in my Melling oil pump . . . .

Apr 21, 2007 | 11:53 PM

T VETTE

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From: center of Kalifornia

I believe it's a 90 degree 1/4 turn is all, go too far and you break it.

Apr 22, 2007 | 01:31 AM

pewter99

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Apr 22, 2007 | 11:22 AM

TEXHAWK0

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From: Longview Texas

A 1/4" socket drive will fit the plug, or it is also made to work with the right size hex key. The plug has a hex further up in the plug, beyond the square opening.
Look at the radiator housing around the plug before you twist it too much. There is a metal pin that you must line up with a slot around the plug if you want to completely remove the plug. If you turn it past the slot, the drain will open, but the plug will stay in a groove where it cannot be removed. I usually line up the pin in the slot and wiggle the plug out enough to get a good flow from the radiator without completely removing the plug.
If your drain plug has never been opened, a 1/4" drive may start to deform the inside of the plug before it opens. (It is only nylon) I had this happen on another car with the same plug, and I had to carefully use large channellok pliers to grip the outer rim of the plug and turn it enough to break it loose. Closing it was not a problem with the 1/4" drive.

Apr 22, 2007 | 05:27 PM

Oldvetter

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From: Waldorf MD

Quote:

Originally Posted by T VETTE

I believe it's a 90 degree 1/4 turn is all, go too far and you break it.

You can pull it out after you turn it. I lowered my car to drain fluid, I got out all but 2 quarts.

New drain plugs are $5 at NAPA (don't ask).

Apr 22, 2007 | 05:31 PM

FL_Dave

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From: Tampa FL

What does "lowered my car" mean? Did you lift up the back? I've got to do this as well and would be tempted to leave 2 quarts in there to avoid a second flush.

Apr 22, 2007 | 07:22 PM

Oldvetter

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From: Waldorf MD

Quote:

Originally Posted by FL_Dave

What does "lowered my car" mean? Did you lift up the back? I've got to do this as well and would be tempted to leave 2 quarts in there to avoid a second flush.

I jacked up the front end to get to the drain plug. But to drain all the fluid you must be level, so I lowered the car back down.