Change Engine Coolant
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Wesley Chapel Florida
Change Engine Coolant
How do you go about draining the engine coolant from a 2002 Corvette Coupe? I have been unable to locate the drain petcock/valve on either radiator tank. Does anyone know where the drain is located on the radiator?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 6,993
Likes: 25
It's in the corner, it's a plug with a 1/4" square opening in it, you need a 1/4" ratchet to open it. If it's been in a long time you may have to PRY GENTLY while your turning it to get it tou work it's way out-BE GENTLE!!!!
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Oak Hill Virginia
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Wesley Chapel Florida
Thank you for the information. Due to it being a long time that this plug has not been open and not wishing to damage the radiator, what is your thought on disconnecting the bottom radiator hose to drain the engine coolant?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,590
Likes: 48
From: Nathalie VA
St. Jude Donor '15-'16-'17-'18
Sure you can do that. The petcock can and will be damaged if stuck. I believe its a 1/4 turn then pull on it to get it loose. Might want to pick up a spare just incase (it has an o-ring on it as well). Might as well get that one out while you have the radiator empty.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,383
Likes: 13
From: Kinston North Carolina
Well, the so called Bottom Radiator Hose is not at the bottom, so you are not going to drain it completly. Use the correct drain, it's not that much problem if you turn it 1/4 turn and then gently wiggle it out.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Wesley Chapel Florida
Thank you again for the information. Hopefully, the local Chevrolet dealer will have the petcock and o-ring in stock. I have just over 80,000 miles on the vette and have never changed the coolant. It has never registered hot and I live in Florida, so I have let it go. But I have been advised to get it done, to protect the radiator core.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Wesley Chapel Florida
Thank you for this additional information. I would have seen this when I got under the vette and if the petcock is stuck, I will apply some Mystery Oil and let work for afew days, before attempting to remove it. It is also nice to know, it only turns a quarter turn.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Ft. Lauderdale Fl
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Wesley Chapel Florida
I will do so, as it definitely is something not to leave to memory. Thank you for your input. Also, in that post a reference is made to "fasteners". Is this a general term or should I be aware of specific fasteners, during the drain operation?