Friends,

I have found a way to get my drain valve turned finally. I came here searching and found most others had a different year with 1/4" socket hole or other type, but aslo had trouble. Others just gave up and went for the lower hose disconnect - very messy. I messed with it for hours from the top and from the wheel well. I could get the first 1/4 turn and then it was in a position I could not get enough mustard on to turn it any more but no water coming out yet. Every tools used was in the way. I sprayed a little WD40 on it and it seemed to get easier. Then - voila -it twisted another turn and then another. It seems like a 3/4 turn gets it to the point it drains. That was a b*tch, but since I would be draining and refilling a few times I really wanted it to be neat and easy or I might just pay someone to do it. Now that its loose a think the 13/16" socket will fit nicely over the wingnut even. Actually I can do it with my finger from above now; although, you will note the transmission coolant lines are in the way a bit.

I hope this helps someone. Don't give up on this b*tch. Its a strange little drain plug the way it turn only 3/4 and comes out as it does. Not like the old metal petcocks I am used to.

Cheers,
Shawn

 

You must be like me and have an aftermarket radiator. When I had the original radiator I wasn't on this site and I never figured out that it took a 1/4" socket so I just disconnected the lower hose. My new one has the pitcock but it needs to be turned then pulled out which sometime can be a chore. I'll have to try your trick. Last time I used a small pair of pliers which are hard to get at the right angle and turn.