2001 C5 radiator drain value....
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 360
Likes: 0
From: Milford MI
2001 C5 radiator drain value....
I need to replace the anti-freeze in my 2001 C5. Can someone please tell me where the radiator drain value is located? I took a quick look at the bottom of the radiator but can locate the value... Help Please!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 360
Likes: 0
From: Milford MI
I still can't locate the value. Do I need to jack the car up to see it? Is it easier to get to the value from the wheel-well or front of the car? Is the value a petcock type value of just a bolt?. Anyone have a picture???
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,847
Likes: 795
From: Longview Texas
You can see the valve in the lower right hand corner of the radiator without raising the car. It should be a white nylon plug that has a recess to fit a 1/4 inch square drive or a hex key.
If it has been replaced, it may have a flat extension so you can open it by hand.
It might help to see all the way in the corner if you use an inspection mirror since the valve is on the rear side (toward the rear of the car).
I open mine and drain the radiator and never lift the car off the ground.
Note, it is also a 1/4 turn to open the valve and it has a small metal pin that rotates in a slot in the radiator housing. If you over rotate it, you can break the pin off.
If it has been replaced, it may have a flat extension so you can open it by hand.
It might help to see all the way in the corner if you use an inspection mirror since the valve is on the rear side (toward the rear of the car).
I open mine and drain the radiator and never lift the car off the ground.
Note, it is also a 1/4 turn to open the valve and it has a small metal pin that rotates in a slot in the radiator housing. If you over rotate it, you can break the pin off.
Last edited by TEXHAWK0; Jun 15, 2009 at 04:15 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 6,993
Likes: 25
It's a VALVE not a value-all it is a plastic O-ringed plug. You turn it 90 degrees with a 1/4" drive ratchet and work it out. DO NOT KEEP TURNING IT. It needs GENTLE persuasion to get it open or YOU WILL BREAK IT!
Last edited by dougbfresh; Jun 16, 2009 at 08:20 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,190
Likes: 0
From: Fayetteville AR
I had to raise the car and then I slid under the passenger side and wiggled up to the radiator. Just turn it 90 deg. but I had to use a standard screwdriver to make it pop back (just a couple of taps or a wiggle and it popped open from the pressure of the antifreeze.
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 360
Likes: 0
From: Milford MI
Thanks for all of the help. I finally found the drain valve. I dumped the anti-freeze, flushed the system & refilled with Dex-Cool... Should be good for five more years. Thanks again.....
Pro
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 653
Likes: 0
