Trick to open radiator drain to flush ?
02-04-2002, 01:56 PM
#1
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
Trick to open radiator drain to flush ?
I was all set to flush the radiator on my '69, and am unable to get the petcock open. There is just a tiny space available, and can't even get pliers in. My radiator is probably not the original, so maybe that is what is causing my problem ? Anyone run into a similar problem ? :crazy:
02-04-2002, 02:18 PM
#2
Team Owner
Re: Trick to open radiator drain to flush ? (FathomGreen69)
I was lucky, and had no problems with mine..... HOWEVER, I recall reading a very confusing thread about whether you are supposed to turn those things clockwise or counterclockwise to open them!! If you can't get at yours (petcock) it may be easier to just pull the lower radiator hose to drain the rad. MJ
[Modified by MNJack, 1:19 PM 2/4/2002]
[Modified by MNJack, 1:19 PM 2/4/2002]
02-04-2002, 02:29 PM
#3
Burning Brakes
Re: Trick to open radiator drain to flush ? (FathomGreen69)
Mine originally didn't have a petcock, only a plug. When I tried to remove it to drain the rad, it was so tight that I tore the bung loose on the tank. Ended up having to remove the radiator (with support & shroud attached) to get the bung reattached/sealed.
One way you can semi-flush the rad without using the drain is to remove the lower hose from the rad & let it drain as much as possible. Reattach then remove the top hose from the rad & insert a garden hose in the top inlet & fill. When full, remove bottom hose & let water run until clear. Its a little messy but works.
Mark
[Modified by mdsmith, 1:29 PM 2/4/2002]
One way you can semi-flush the rad without using the drain is to remove the lower hose from the rad & let it drain as much as possible. Reattach then remove the top hose from the rad & insert a garden hose in the top inlet & fill. When full, remove bottom hose & let water run until clear. Its a little messy but works.
Mark
[Modified by mdsmith, 1:29 PM 2/4/2002]
02-04-2002, 10:19 PM
#4
Le Mans Master
Re: Trick to open radiator drain to flush ? (FathomGreen69)
The petcock on mine opens clockwise...but no matter if you get it open or pull the lower rad hose...it's gonna be a PITA :smash:
Everything is so darn tight and difficult to work on. :cuss
Everything is so darn tight and difficult to work on. :cuss
02-05-2002, 09:16 AM
#6
Burning Brakes
Member Since: Aug 2000
Location: Monument Colorado
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Re: Trick to open radiator drain to flush ? (mdsmith)
Mine originally didn't have a petcock, only a plug. When I tried to remove it to drain the rad, it was so tight that I tore the bung loose on the tank. Ended up having to remove the radiator (with support & shroud attached) to get the bung reattached/sealed.
02-05-2002, 10:44 AM
#7
Melting Slicks
Re: Trick to open radiator drain to flush ? (FathomGreen69)
Mine has a plug, and I had no problem getting it out. Maybe I was lucky?
When the bottom of my radiator rusted out, and I almost overheated the car, I was real worried about getting the radiator out of the car. All I did was take all of the bolts out holding the shroud, and pushed the shroud towards the engine. Then I took out the upper radiator brackets and with Kims help lifted the radiator right out. I was worried about breaking the shroud, but it worked like a champ!
When the bottom of my radiator rusted out, and I almost overheated the car, I was real worried about getting the radiator out of the car. All I did was take all of the bolts out holding the shroud, and pushed the shroud towards the engine. Then I took out the upper radiator brackets and with Kims help lifted the radiator right out. I was worried about breaking the shroud, but it worked like a champ!
02-05-2002, 12:57 PM
#8
Safety Car
Re: Trick to open radiator drain to flush ? (FathomGreen69)
With the shroud in place, it's impossible, but since a previous owner had CUT the shroud in half at the bottom (then plated and bolted it), it is very easy to remove. It makes it easy to get to the hose and petcock. Maybe not such a bad thing...
Hans
Hans
