How to Drain the Radiator

[Gadoozle]

Hi Everyone,

This is a really stupid question, but how do you drain the radiator? I have a 1972 and I need to drain the radiator to put in the new heater core.

Thanks!

[leddzepp]

There is a small petcock at the bottom of the radiator, on either the passenger or driver side. Open it up and let er rip....just make sure to put a bucket underneath it to catch all of it.

[Gadoozle]

Thanks, this is my first truck and I don't really know how to do much...yet.

[leddzepp]

Stick around this message board long enough and you will be doing a complete frame off restoration in no time...

[Gadoozle]

Haha, eventually. So, I went out to the truck and I found several things connecting to the radiator, but I don't know what you mean by petcock....Do you have any pictures? Thanks again.

[leddzepp]

I do not have a pic handy, but I am sure someone will post one up soon

[lakeroadster]

It will be located on the motor side of the radiator on the bottom. On my '65 it was on the drivers side, probably the same on yours

Here is a photo of the petcock... fancy name for a valve. Important point #1: You screw the wingnut inward and it opens the valve. Some will have a round piece at the end that you can slide a small hose over, some don't have that feature.

And a picture of one in a radiator. But on yours it faces toward the motor, not the ground.

And, if your truck is like mine, it didn't have the petcock, it had a plug. After I drained the radiator I went to the local parts house and bought a petcock.

Hope that helps.

Important point #2: Make sure if you spill some antifreeze that your pets don't drink it. It supposedly tastes sweet, animals drink it and they will get sick and may die if they drink to much.

[taank]

Edited by Staff

[FRENCHBLUE72]

Welcome to the board from just down south of you.. Hope ya got it figured out ok.. Btw there is no stupid questions except those that are not asked.

[VA72C10]

Welcome to the board! Got good info here!

[mac808]

It's awesome that you're willing to try and do things yourself on your truck. That's how it all begins!

And this is the place to get the best info for it! I've learned and seen SO much here that it makes me want to do a frame-off resto!

[ubtripn]

And once you are done you will know your truck inside and out, be able to get fairly cheap parts when needed and will have the pride of knowing that YOU did it and it was done right. 2 things to consider, the easy jobs are the ones that go long and the harder ones are the ones that tend to go shorter. Weird but true. Secondly, when you get really mad while working on your truck (and you will) just walk away and start again on a new day. If you stay in the fight while mad things will get worse and work against you. Good luck!

[Hottrucks]

wait are you saying that turning my truck upside down to empty the radiator is wrong????? Dam!! next thing you'll be telling me not to suck the oil out of the dip stick tube!!!!

Ok really these guys are right I have done tons of car and truck builds and this sight has been a TON of help to get though the little BS projects smoothly....its nice when you know the short cuts and what to expect before you get started

[cdowns]

there is really no need to drain radiator to change the heater core in one of these trucks//clamp off the two hoses going to heater core some guys use vise grips but if you remove them from the heater core and keep them elevated above the motor they will not leak// when removing hoses from heater core have small tupperware type container under the connection to catch the very little that ewill leak out// also put an extra small piece of hose on one of the heater core nipples and blow air thru to remove what little coolant is in the feater core(less than 2cups)

remove and replace heater core attach hoses run and check for leak and add what very little is needed to top off radiator

but if antifreeze is old or funky its a great idea to drain and fill with new stuff

[VetteVet]

Great tips CD.