Radiator Drain Valve ?
 

I need to drain the radiator to remove intake manifold. I tried to turn the little spigot on the bottom but it’s stuck pretty good. I hit it with BP Blaster and figured Id leave it alone overnight. Any other suggestions to get it free ?

Re: Radiator Drain Valve ?
 

is it the original copper brass radiator or a new aluminum with a plastic spigot?

Re: Radiator Drain Valve ?
 

I always get confused on which way to turn them...are you turning it the correct way?

Re: Radiator Drain Valve ?
 

Can give it a few light taps with a hammer to hopefully free up the stuck drain. Sometimes works sometimes doesn't. The old pull the lower hose works too just messy.

Re: Radiator Drain Valve ?
 

I have found it easier to slowly disconnect the lower hose at the tank to drain a bit of fluid.

Re: Radiator Drain Valve ?
 

Thanks guys ! The radiator is the original brass/metal one. I have learned from past mistakes NOT to try to unstick stuff that’s not been moved in years. I tried tapping it with a small hammer but it didn’t budge. I think loosening the bottom hose sounds less dangerous...:smoke:

Re: Radiator Drain Valve ?
 

For sure...

Careful with things like that.

Step one: Think a sec, if it does break, where would that put me?

Sometimes no worse off, sometimes it could leave you with a bigger problem.


The last work I did to my truck, last summer... Tried to drain radiator :) My drain plug broke right off. Cost me a new radiator.

Re: Radiator Drain Valve ?
 

The threads on my metal drain are backwards (left-handed). It threads into the radiator to open, so turning it counterclockwise opens it.

Re: Radiator Drain Valve ?
 

I have drained my 72 by siphoning it out through the radiator fill hole. I used a piece of 1/8" ID tubing (maybe 3/16") and a 5 gallon bucket. It was a bit slow, but not messy at all.

Re: Radiator Drain Valve ?
 

If it's a metal petcock and not a plug, you don't need to remove it from the radiator.. It's perfectly OK to use pliers to loosen it.. It opens by turning it counterclockwise..

Re: Radiator Drain Valve ?
 

Thanks again fellas ! I used my head and let it sit overnight. Taped it again with no luck so I tried backing out the entire spigot from the tank. I got it to move so hit it again just now. Patience is something you learn over time. ...:metal:

Re: Radiator Drain Valve ?
 

.... Often after breaking several things first.... :lol: