Where is the radiator plug located?

1 Answer. Hi pitina, The radiator plug is usually located at the base of the radiator and looks like a wing-nut. When removed the entire contents of your radiator will be drained.

Keeping this in consideration, where is the Petcock on my radiator?

A radiator drain petcock is usually located above the bottom of the radiator. So even if you can open it, you're not draining the radiator completely. That's why shops always remove the lower radiator hose. That drains the entire radiator AND most of the coolant from the engine.

Secondly, which way do you turn a radiator Petcock? If it is parallel to the direction of flow (in line), then it is OPEN. Hope this helps. On my 63 Vette, the radiator petcock opens by turning it counterclockwise (like you were unscrewing a standard right hand bolt). However, it actually has a left-hand thread that moves in (toward the radiator) as you open it.

Also Know, where is the drain plug for the antifreeze?

Locate the drain plug and loosen Locate the drain plug. This is found on the radiator. Place a pan under the drain plug to catch old coolant. Loosen the drain plug and allow coolant to flow.

How do you flush out a radiator?

To flush a radiator, start by draining all of the old antifreeze in the radiator into a drainage pan. Then, seal the drain valve and pour a full bottle of radiator cleaner and 1 gallon of distilled water into the radiator reservoir. Next, turn your vehicle on with the heat on full blast for 5 minutes.

26 Related Question Answers Found

What is a radiator plug?

Comments. Email. The radiator drain petcock is the valve that helps you drain the coolant when you need to change it or work on it.

What happens if your radiator is leaking?

If your radiator is leaking, coolant will be lost and the engine will have the potential to overheat. The coolant removes heat from the engine by transferring the heat through a series of coils. If the coolant level drops too much because of a radiator leak, a low coolant light will come on.

Where is my radiator drain valve?

The drain off point for draining central heating system, will be found at either the lowest point of the plumbing pipes, almost the lowest point next to the radiators or if your very lucky, you may find it on the outside wall.

How do you drain coolant from engine block?

The basic steps to flush a car engine block are:

Remove the lower radiator hose and catch the draining coolant in a bucket.
Remove the top radiator hose and flush the system out with a normal hose.
Continue until the water runs clear out of the bottom of the engine.
Refill with coolant and reattach the radiator hoses.

How much does it cost to flush out a radiator?

The cost of a coolant flush typically runs between $100 and $150, according to highly rated mechanics. Kauffeld says this can include four gallons of coolant, a conditioner and a cleaner. CostHelper.com estimates the cost between $54 and $144 for a radiator flush at a standard shop, with an average price of $99.

Can a radiator flush cause problems?

Eventually, this will likely lead to damage to gaskets or other components, meaning leaks, overheating and those other problems that are usually signs that your vehicle requires a radiator flush. It's much better to do the radiator flush now than after it has started doing damage to your car's engine.

Does radiator flush really work?

The radiator transports coolant to the engine to keep the engine from overheating. If your radiator is clogged, it will not work properly and could lead to your engine overheating. To keep your radiator running clean and smooth, it should be flushed regularly. This radiator coolant flush is non-toxic and non-acidic.

Can I use vinegar to flush my radiator?

Vinegar is an acid, but is mild acetic acid and typically 5% such. You can also use vinegar to soak overnight in your plastic coolant overflow tank if disconnected from radiator, then drain it out, flush with clear water as needed, then reconnect and add some coolant to it.

How do you know if your radiator is clogged up?

5 Signs That Tell You Your Radiator Is Clogged

Leaking coolant. When coolant is not able to circulate in the radiator, it can leak out onto other areas of the vehicle.
Discolored and thicker coolant. You know your coolant's original color, don't you?
Damaged water pump.
Excessively high gauge temperature readings.
Blocked, bent, or damaged radiator fins.

How long does a radiator flush take?

Top off the system with water and replace the radiator cap. 6.) Let your engine idle with the radiator flush inside for at least 10 minutes, but time and weather permitting run your vehicle for 3-6 hours with the radiator flush and water solution in your cooling system.

What is a radiator Petcock?

The petcock is a small bolt right under the radiator and easy to spot as modern radiators do not have any other holes underneath them that would require bolts. Usually, the underside of a car radiator is covered by a plastic panel which can be easily removed to reveal the radiator drain petcock.

How do you change a radiator hose?

How to Replace a Radiator or Heater Hose

Remove the pressure cap from the radiator or coolant reservoir and place a bucket or drain pan under the radiator drain valve.
Open the drain valve.
Remove the clamps at both ends of the hose.
Twist the hose to remove it, and use the container to catch the liquid that drains from it.
Clean the fittings.