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05-12-2021, 11:20 AM | #1 |
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Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Eastern Oregon
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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 ?
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71 C-20 07 Magnum RT AWD |
05-12-2021, 11:27 AM | #2 |
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Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Albuquerque NM
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Re: Radiator Drain Valve ?
is it the original copper brass radiator or a new aluminum with a plastic spigot?
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1967custom |
05-12-2021, 11:53 AM | #3 |
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Location: Sedalia Mo.
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Re: Radiator Drain Valve ?
I always get confused on which way to turn them...are you turning it the correct way?
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He who is without oil shall throw the first rod. Compressions 8.7:1 1972 C10 1976 C10 (parts truck) 1985 K20 |
05-12-2021, 11:58 AM | #4 |
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Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: South Dakota
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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.
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1969 Chevy c20(Miss Hackjob) |
05-12-2021, 12:32 PM | #5 |
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Location: Central Coast Ca.
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Re: Radiator Drain Valve ?
I have found it easier to slowly disconnect the lower hose at the tank to drain a bit of fluid.
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1971 SWB step side: Original NM Forestry and then NM Fire truck |
05-12-2021, 12:36 PM | #6 |
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Location: Eastern Oregon
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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...
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71 C-20 07 Magnum RT AWD |
05-12-2021, 02:29 PM | #7 |
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Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Oregon
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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. |
05-12-2021, 02:39 PM | #8 |
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: CA
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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.
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05-12-2021, 02:40 PM | #9 |
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Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Sedalia Mo.
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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.
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He who is without oil shall throw the first rod. Compressions 8.7:1 1972 C10 1976 C10 (parts truck) 1985 K20 |
05-12-2021, 03:22 PM | #10 |
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Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Elkhart, Texas
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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..
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05-12-2021, 05:07 PM | #11 |
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Location: Eastern Oregon
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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. ...
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71 C-20 07 Magnum RT AWD |
05-12-2021, 07:23 PM | #12 |
20' Daredevil (Ret)
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Jefferson State
Posts: 13,665
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Re: Radiator Drain Valve ?
.... Often after breaking several things first....
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- Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay |
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