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Radiator Drain Question
Thread Starter
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Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
From: Homer NY
Radiator Drain Question
I'm having a problem with the radiator drain plug on my 2003 vert. Every drain I've ever come across has wings that you can easily grab to turn to allow the water to drain. I look at my drain and it has nothing to grab..it also isnt a nut that you would put a socket on..It looks original and doesn't appear damaged..I feel really dumb but just wondering if i'm missing something real easy.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,554
Likes: 33
From: Not on either liberal coast.
Not dumb, but it has been asked/answered many times. Normally, I'd suggest you try to use search this forum (in the red banner) in C5 tech, but you'd probably have troubles with this new software.
On a positive note, I just tried using keywords "radiator drain plug" and came up with quite a few past threads. This is one of them that might help you...
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...tor+plug+drain
The drain is designed to be removed with a 1/4" extension at the end of a ratchet. Turn it CCW and it will start to drain, but very slowly. Don't force it or you'll have to buy a replacement.
You can remove it completely at that point if you want faster drainage.
On a positive note, I just tried using keywords "radiator drain plug" and came up with quite a few past threads. This is one of them that might help you...
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...tor+plug+drain
The drain is designed to be removed with a 1/4" extension at the end of a ratchet. Turn it CCW and it will start to drain, but very slowly. Don't force it or you'll have to buy a replacement.
You can remove it completely at that point if you want faster drainage.
Last edited by hotwheels57; Aug 25, 2008 at 06:44 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,937
Likes: 21
From: Waldorf MD
Only turn it 90 degrees, then you can pull it out. If you turn it more, you will shear the pin(s), and need a new one. NAPA sells them for $5 and they have "wings" on them so you can turn them by hand.
Also make sure your car is level to drain the most coolant from it.
Also make sure your car is level to drain the most coolant from it.
Last edited by Oldvetter; Aug 25, 2008 at 10:40 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 7,788
Likes: 6
From: Winchester TN
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St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'11
Hi homervet -
This link may help -
http://www.iammoon.com/c5tech/coolant_drain.htm
best regards-
mqqn
This link may help -
http://www.iammoon.com/c5tech/coolant_drain.htm
best regards-
mqqn
Last edited by mqqn; Aug 25, 2008 at 11:56 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,847
Likes: 795
From: Longview Texas
The drain plugs are made where the right sized allen wrench or a 1/4" drive will fit the opening.
IF it has never been loose, you may have to carefully use pliars on the outer ring to keep from rounding off the inside hole. It also helps to be able to wiggle the plug a little while turning and lightly pulling.
IF it has never been loose, you may have to carefully use pliars on the outer ring to keep from rounding off the inside hole. It also helps to be able to wiggle the plug a little while turning and lightly pulling.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 418
Likes: 1
From: Metro Atlanta Georgia
The drain plugs are made where the right sized allen wrench or a 1/4" drive will fit the opening.
IF it has never been loose, you may have to carefully use pliars on the outer ring to keep from rounding off the inside hole. It also helps to be able to wiggle the plug a little while turning and lightly pulling.
IF it has never been loose, you may have to carefully use pliars on the outer ring to keep from rounding off the inside hole. It also helps to be able to wiggle the plug a little while turning and lightly pulling.
When I drained mine, I turned 90 degrees and nothing happened- I tried pulling, nothing came out, repeated about 5 more times until I broke it. Now I have a replacement from Advance Auto with a place to grab an turn.
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