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Radiator petcock won't close
Posted: Mon Mar 26, 2018 7:44 pm
by themess
1996 Astro passenger version, bought last month. 4.3L auto
I have DexCool sludge and am flushing it. Apparently, I over-loosened the drain petcock (passenger side) and I'm unable to get it to seal again. It did not come completely out.
Does anyone know how to get this petcock tight?
Replacing a radiator does not sound like fun!
Re: Radiator petcock won't close
Posted: Mon Mar 26, 2018 7:51 pm
by Astrophysics
Hi,
Well that is often a common issue. You should type in You Tube GM radiator pet cock fix... etc.
the on line videos should be educational.
Many times it is safer to remove the lower radiator hose to drain coolant, and not mess with the pet cock.
Good luck.
It reminds me of the so call drain valve on the household 30 gallon water heater.
That valve always seemed to leak if it was ever opened.
AP
Re: Radiator petcock won't close
Posted: Mon Mar 26, 2018 8:29 pm
by themess
Thanks!
Rock Auto sells them for $2.59. I'm guessing that the O'Reillys a ten minute walk from here will have one for $4.
Seems like the deal will be to extract everything. My thumbs don't work properly.....
It also explains why the coolant goes out so slowly. Loosening the external part isn't moving the internal part.
Nice to not need to swap out the radiator.
Re: Radiator petcock won't close
Posted: Thu Mar 29, 2018 8:22 pm
by themess
The best YouTube video I came across is at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VODumahvmA
He has a 2003 Safari that developed a sudden massive coolant leak. The video is short and clear.
Re: Radiator petcock won't close
Posted: Thu Mar 29, 2018 9:19 pm
by Astrophysics
Thank you for posting.
Yes, I may get a spare drain pet cock for my 2003 Astro.
AP