Radiator Drain Plug

Topic: Radiator Drain Plug

in Forum: C3 Cooling and Heating Systems

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Posted: 5/23/06 7:54am Message 1 of 6

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Buster

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Joined: 8/16/2004

Posts: 17

I have a 1973 Vette small block and would like to drain the radiator as part of normal maintenance, I have looked every where and can't find petcock. Please advise.

Thanks Frank

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Radiator Drain Plug

Posted: 5/23/06 8:17am Message 2 of 6

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74-454

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Canada

Joined: 8/6/2004

Posts: 533

Vette(s): Coupe 74 - 454 Drive it like you stole it!

Sorry, I don't know the exact location, but I think mine is on the passenger side (bottom of course).

I have read on similar thread before that there is a risk that the petcock will get damaged when you remove it. Be carefull with the inside thread of the radiator and have another petcock from the part store on hand when you do it. If it's not damaged, the just return it to the parts store.

Have fun!

Radiator Drain Plug

Posted: 5/23/06 9:41am Message 3 of 6

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my7t1

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Dorr, MI - USA

Joined: 8/21/2002

Posts: 2581

Vette(s): 71 Colonnade Hardtop Coupe Torch Red with black interior originally L48 built to push around 360hp

Yes it should be on bottom under lower hose. If you do screw it out be sure and not break the solder joint. Personally I would put a pan under the rad. & pull the bottom hose. Its kinda messy and a good way to get your shoes washed.

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Radiator Drain Plug

Posted: 5/23/06 3:22pm Message 4 of 6

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Chips58

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Australia

Joined: 5/6/2004

Posts: 535

Vette(s): 71 Coupe Black on Black

Got to agree with my7T1 and just pull the bottom hose. If you bust the solder joint (especially if you have an aluminium radiator) it's gonna be a lot of work to fix it.

Radiator Drain Plug

Posted: 5/23/06 5:39pm Message 5 of 6

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Adams' Apple

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Duncanville, TX - USA

Joined: 11/8/2003

Posts: 20214

Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas

One more vote for the "Don't mess wid it" group!!
Mine twisted the complete fitting out of the rad.! Mine does not have a petcock, it only has a pipe-plug. Pull the lower hose and save yerself a big headache!!

Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
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