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Changing coolent question, need help.

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Old Sep 30, 2009 | 05:10 PM
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Default Changing coolent question, need help.

I have a 1999 ,just hit 102,000 miles. I feel it is time to change coolent, the problem is I can not seem to find the trick to draining it. I have found a green plug at the lower corner rider side.I can turn it about a 1|4 turn, then it locks. Any help is much appreciated. Thanks for reading !
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Old Sep 30, 2009 | 05:52 PM
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That is the radiator drain. Even with that plug completely removed, you'll be draining through that small orifice.

If you want maximum drainage though, simply pull the lower radiator hose. The rush of coolant will bring a lot more sediment with it...
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Old Sep 30, 2009 | 05:54 PM
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Originally Posted by 8VETTE7
That sounds like it. You may need a pair of needle nose pliars to pull the plug toward you to get it to start draining. Don't take the plug out unless you plan to replace it (NAPA has replacements) Just pull it toward the engine until the coolant starts to drain. Remove the cap on the surge tank to allow air in so it drains better.


just did one the other day....swapped hoses and everything took me about an hour....just make sure you get all the air out when you refill it
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Old Sep 30, 2009 | 06:42 PM
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Look closely at the plug and radiator housing before you twist or pull too hard. The plug has a metal pin that you need to line up with a slot in the radiator to be able to pull the plug outward.
I have never had any trouble with how fast the radiator will drain through the drain plug. It will drain slow enough to allow you to change pans so you will not make any bigger mess than necessary.

You should be able to drain about 2 gallons out through the radiator without draining the block.
Then you can add a 50/50 mixture of Dexcool and distilled water back through the reservoir.
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