Radiator Drain
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,458
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From: Northville Michigan
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well...depends on what year C5 you have...my 99 you can use a pair of pliers to turn teh drain ****...on the newer ones you can use a hex head key...its kinda hard to see but if you get under there you will figure it out..
I am sure someone here knows the right size
edit: see someone posted before I could finish typing
I am sure someone here knows the right size
edit: see someone posted before I could finish typing
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,458
Likes: 105
From: Northville Michigan
About three weeks ago I changed the stock radiator in a friend's C5 Z06 for a DeWitt radiator. During the removal process, we found that the drain plug in the bottom right corner of his radiator would turn, but no antifreeze would come out.
We ended up having to drill into the bottom of the right side tank and letting the fluid flow out that way. We summized that sediment has collected in the bottom of the tank and plugged the drain. If you find the same situation, you would have to epoxy a 1/4 to 1/8 pipe reducer into the bottom of the tank and then thread a 1/8 pipe plug into the reducer with teflon tape on its threads.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 666
Likes: 5
From: Mt. Pleasant SC
About three weeks ago I changed the stock radiator in a friend's C5 Z06 for a DeWitt radiator. During the removal process, we found that the drain plug in the bottom right corner of his radiator would turn, but no antifreeze would come out.
We ended up having to drill into the bottom of the right side tank and letting the fluid flow out that way. We summized that sediment has collected in the bottom of the tank and plugged the drain. If you find the same situation, you would have to epoxy a 1/4 to 1/8 pipe reducer into the bottom of the tank and then thread a 1/8 pipe plug into the reducer with teflon tape on its threads.
We ended up having to drill into the bottom of the right side tank and letting the fluid flow out that way. We summized that sediment has collected in the bottom of the tank and plugged the drain. If you find the same situation, you would have to epoxy a 1/4 to 1/8 pipe reducer into the bottom of the tank and then thread a 1/8 pipe plug into the reducer with teflon tape on its threads.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,847
Likes: 795
From: Longview Texas
I found that sometimes, even the square drive will round out, or the plug will flex where it will not open with the drive. You can still get ahold of the edge of the plug with large pliars and carefully work the plug 1/4 turn and out.
I have never had one be totally plugged, but that sounds like another reason not to let your antifreeze go over 2 or 3 years before changing.
If you get the plug unstuck, and the pin on the side lined up with the slot in the radiator housing, you can slip the plug all the way out, so I would think you would always be able to clean out the radiator opening where it will drain. Even if you had to take a wire or rod and clean out the opening. Most Dexcool deposits I have seen are a brown paste, but do not actually harden.
I have had plugs on other cars that would turn, but you still had to pull the plug at least partially out for it to drain.
I have never had one be totally plugged, but that sounds like another reason not to let your antifreeze go over 2 or 3 years before changing.
If you get the plug unstuck, and the pin on the side lined up with the slot in the radiator housing, you can slip the plug all the way out, so I would think you would always be able to clean out the radiator opening where it will drain. Even if you had to take a wire or rod and clean out the opening. Most Dexcool deposits I have seen are a brown paste, but do not actually harden.
I have had plugs on other cars that would turn, but you still had to pull the plug at least partially out for it to drain.
Last edited by TEXHAWK0; Oct 25, 2008 at 06:45 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 753
Likes: 2
From: Denville NJ
That damm plug has to be turned a quarter turn counter clockwise and then pulled out slightly. You can grab it gently with pliers or a vice grip.
Do youself a favor and get the older model plug with the tab on it. I think it is a Dorman help type product. Do a search and you will see it, it was a great tip and a real bargain for a few dollars.
Do youself a favor and get the older model plug with the tab on it. I think it is a Dorman help type product. Do a search and you will see it, it was a great tip and a real bargain for a few dollars.
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Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Dyer, IN
well...depends on what year C5 you have...my 99 you can use a pair of pliers to turn teh drain ****...on the newer ones you can use a hex head key...its kinda hard to see but if you get under there you will figure it out..
I am sure someone here knows the right size
edit: see someone posted before I could finish typing
I am sure someone here knows the right size
edit: see someone posted before I could finish typing
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 666
Likes: 5
From: Mt. Pleasant SC
Hmmm...I definitely can't get a pliers on my plug unless I use a long, narrow needle nose. It's about an inch up inside a black tube. Is mine different then y'alls?
OK, I just figured it out. I was trying to open the drain plug from where the coolant actually drains from. Just above that is where it's turned to open. Thanks to all for not telling me I'm a dumba$$. :-)
OK, I just figured it out. I was trying to open the drain plug from where the coolant actually drains from. Just above that is where it's turned to open. Thanks to all for not telling me I'm a dumba$$. :-)
Last edited by c3andc5; Oct 26, 2008 at 07:18 AM. Reason: Update infor
