Help needed to drain radiator coolant

[TinoR]

I tried to drain the coolant from radiator but did not get far. I was able to turn open the drain valve as much as a ¼ to ½ a turn without too much force until it came to a full stop but no fluid came out. Not a drop! I repeated this action of opening and closing the drain valve a couple of times thinking that it would loosen the valve past half a turn but it always came to a full stop. I could have applied more force but I was afraid of breaking the valve since it’s made of a plastic resin similar to the upper and lower radiator plenums. Can anyone provide me with a tip on how to open the drain valve and how much of a turn do you need before it starts to open?

 

[sleeve]

I never use the drain valve on the radiator... once you open them - the valve will constantly leak.

It is best to get a bucket under the lower radiator hose and remove the coolant that way. Much faster (slightly messy if you aren't careful) and in the end - no leaky radiator.

 

[yellocoyote]

Hmmm... both work just fine on my kj. :-s No leaking from the drain either.

 

[AZWFO]

Same problem here... Got the day off, KJ is cold, got Zerex Z-05, distilled water, open the valve...........NADA. Such a Kill-Joy.... So I have to pull the lower RAD hose? This is not gonna be pretty.

 

[yellocoyote]

Same problem here... Got the day off, KJ is cold, got Zerex Z-05, distilled water, open the valve...........NADA. Such a Kill-Joy.... So I have to pull the lower RAD hose? This is not gonna be pretty.

Had to use a little bit of muscle to get mine to drain from the valve, but it did work. And I've had no leaks after closing it either.

Good luck!

 

[ThunderbirdJunkie]

ThunderbirdJunkie's drain petcock has worked great on all four of his radiators!

 

[AZWFO]

I had same expierence as tinoR. You can turn the valve about 1/3 or 1/2 turn then it stops. Further turning begins to back the valve nut out of it's holder.

Close the valve and slowly back away......

Located safety glasses, lots of towels and buckets and went for lower hose. Left RAD cap on to slow the flood. released lower hose slowly. Still a mess. Removed cap. nothing more to drain. Refilled and idled with heater on. Top off tommorrow.

Still glad it did it myself.

 

[jnaut]

So... you guys turn your draincocks and nothing comes out... hmm...

 

[AZWFO]

I guess sometimes DIY is not as fun.....

 

[ThunderbirdJunkie]

ThunderbirdJunkie prefers help