C5 Tech Corvette Tech/Performance: LS1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Tech Topics, Basic Tech, Maintenance, How to Remove & Replace
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Changing coolent question, need help.

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 30, 2009 | 05:10 PM
  #1  
stormydog's Avatar
stormydog
Thread Starter
Advanced
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
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 !
Reply
Old Sep 30, 2009 | 05:52 PM
  #2  
hotwheels57's Avatar
hotwheels57
Race Director
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,554
Likes: 33
From: Not on either liberal coast.
Default

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...
Reply
Old Sep 30, 2009 | 05:54 PM
  #3  
pewter99's Avatar
pewter99
Team Owner
Supporting Lifetime Gold
20 Year Member
Veteran: Army
St. Jude 15 Year Donor
 
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 174,312
Likes: 1,217
From: Here
Pilot of Beer Force 1
Tampa Regional Coordinator
CI 4-5-6-7-8 Veteran
Organizer St. Jude Fundraiser
I believe in the Beer Fairy
Default

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
Reply
Old Sep 30, 2009 | 06:42 PM
  #4  
TEXHAWK0's Avatar
TEXHAWK0
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,847
Likes: 795
From: Longview Texas
Default

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.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Changing coolent question, need help.





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:58 PM.

story-0
5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 most overrated Corvette track packages ever.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 12:46:45


VIEW MORE
story-1
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained

Slideshow: Every 2027 Corvette engine explained

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 12:16:31


VIEW MORE
story-2
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette

Slideshow: A Jaguar designer's personal project imagines what a modern front-engined Corvette might look like if Chevrolet revisited the golden age of the Stingray.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-08 19:53:43


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-6
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-8
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE