Radiator Drain?

[barch97]

I'm trying to finally get rid of the dexcool and flush and refill with green antifreeze. I went to the parts store and got a flush/fill kit and couple jugs of antifreeze. I let the truck cool down over night and now it's up on jack stands with the plastic shroud off and I can't for the life of me figure this drain. I've never seen anything like this one. How do I open it? Do I need a special GM tool?

Help

[F9K9]

No special tool, can use a screw driver to move it about 1/3 turn counter clockwise or remove lower hose.

[barch97]

Okey doke, I can't really get my head in there to see what the plug looks like so, I didn't wanna go jammin' anything in there and breaking it. Will give the screw driver a shot. Thanks.


Although, I did find this while I was awaiting a reply here. Gonzzo does refer to a "tool" used to remove the OEM plug. I assume by tool, he meant "screw driver"? as opposed to a thumb screw design that requires only fingers?

Thanks for the welcome, i guess i forgot to introduce my self.

You will be waisting the WW if you pour it into the overflow tank.

I have 3 suggestions for you:

1.- Go to the kitchen and "borrow" the wife's turkey baster, use that to suck out some coolant from the radiator...dont forget to "LOSE" the baster, then before she gets a chance, tell her youll get he a new one next time you are out.

2.- Go to NAPA and get a replacement drain plug, the napa brand plug is a much better design(no tool needed for removal). Get a 1/4in. drive ratchet with a 1 to 2 in extencion and undo the radiator drain plug(make sure truck is cool, i didnt think mine was too hot, needless to say i ran around my front lawn screaming like a girl), located on the lower right hand side(pass side) of the back(facing engine)of the radiator. It is best to access the plug from the front right fender well. Drain a bit of the coolant(dispose of properly)and replace with WW.

3.- If you choose to do #2, you may as well go all the way. Addemdum to #2...hum i guess you could call this #2.1?...sorry.
Anyway, drain All the coolant, remove factory drain plug and replace with napa brand. Fill radiator with water, run engine for a few mins. Repeat draining prosedure(carefull of the colant temp while draining)to ensure you get as much of the old stuff out. I would repeat one more time but that is up to you. Refill with 1 bottle of WW + what ever amount of dex/green coolant you feel comfortable with for your seasonal temp range and finish off with water.
***********************WARNING******************************

Cooling systems work under high pressures and high temperatures. Please, take all nessessary prevetitive meassures to ensure your safety(your buddy's too if you have a helper).


*************************************************************
A few notes:

If you deside to go with #1, DONT FORGET TO GET A BASTER next time you are out, the LAST thing you want to do is go to the damn supermarket on THANKS GIVING

If you go with #2 or 3, please be careful of the coolant temperatures, like i said, i didnt think it was "that" hot and lemme tell ya...that sh!t hurt, not to mention someone told my wife that bleach helps stop the burning so guess what she did...yup, bleached my favoryte pair of coveralls

Last, i hope my ramblings made some sence and i hope they are of help.

P.S.
Ill spell check my next post, promise.

Thanks.

Gonzzo.

[F9K9]

can take a pic if, you need one!

Later in time

How did it go Barch? If, it was like mine last year, I bet you're disappointed how much drained out

That plug in the engine block really drains a lot more coolant out. I found that out when I replaced my radiator before my vacation.

[barch97]

Yeah, that radiator drain sure ain't much of a "drain". And, to make matters worse, I was facing uphill in my driveway and up on jack stands. After the second flush cycle, I dropped it down on the wheels and turned it downhill to try to run out some more. Wound up attaching an old washer hose to blow out the rest. Much messier job than I was anticipating but all in all not too bad.

[F9K9]

Give us a heads up when you plan to do stuff. We could have given you info like the "breaker bar" on your belt replacement and could have helped with info on the coolant change.

Am still proud of you for finally doing it though