Radiator drain question

[johnbendik]

I have been doing some maintenance on my cooling system (replacing hoses, thermostat and coolant).

Where the service manual says I should have a drain petcock (about an inch from the support bracket on the driver's side), I have a little threaded nub sticking out with a hole in the center.  I'm guessing that this is what remains of the original drain, which must have broken off.  Some vendors list a replacement petcock for the Eagle (Dorman 61150), but I don't see a way to remove the broken-off stub of the original, so I think I'm out of luck there.

On the other hand, there are two threaded plugs with 7/16 heads on them about 8 inches from each side of the radiator, along the bottom.  I was hoping I could use one of those holes for the replacement petcock, but when I remove them, no coolant comes out... they don't seem to actually connect to the interior of the radiator.

Does anyone know what those two plugs are for?  Up to now, I've been draining by removing the bottom radiator hose, but I'd rather have a real drain plug.

Thanks in advance,
John B.

[amcfool1]

hi john , does your car have a manual trans? if so those are the connections for the auto trans cooler lines. thanks gz

[johnbendik]

Thanks, amcfool1, that explains it.  I've got the 5-speed.

Hmmm... so there's a little 'mini-radiator' down there that's not being used, right?  I wonder what I could use that for...

John B.

[carnuck]

It makes power steering fluid too warm, BUT here's a thought. Drill through the hole and you have a new drain!

[amcfool1]

hi john. I don't see why you can't get the old one out, it's just brass. if you can't, take rad out and take it to a rad shop, they will do it no problem. Not a bad idea to have your rad tanked, fixed, etc. around here (VA) a basic rad service costs about $90. good luck gz

[carnuck]

For $90 I'd get a new rad!

[johnbendik]

amcfool1, I thought of trying to remove it, but there's very little sticking out to grab on to... only about 1/16 inch.  And that bit is just a threaded shaft.

When I look at the replacement part (Dorman 61105), there's a tall hex section for getting a wrench on, but I don't have any of that.  Frankly, I'm surprised that my original could be broken off that short and not leak.  It must be constructed differently than the Dorman part.

But I might still give it a shot with vice grips or something.

John B.

[amcfool1]

hi a new, as in brand new radiator is $249 from my local Advance Auto, so to me, spending about  $90. to have an old one boiled out, pinholes fixed, new drain, basically reconditioned is not a bad deal, but, yeah, saving money is a good thing! Happy Holidays y'all! gz

[byrdock]

The plug in my radiator is plastic with a thumb tab to take it out. Take a look at yours to see if that's what you have, if it is you should be able to get it out with a screw extractor.

[IRON HORSE]

Hello,   

          Pervious owner of my Eagle cross threaded a bolt into my drain plug hole, OUCH ! (afraid to remove) .. I just take the lower rad hose off to drain, but get ready for it  .. coolant gushes out quickly.
       
                                                                                     Regards, Iron Horse                      

[carnuck]

If you plan to put on new hoses, I put a small slice in mine. Otherwise, a screwdriver between the hose and rad will allow a trickle to come out.

[IowaEagle]

Yes, mine is stripped too.