Radiator drain tap - how to open?
#1
Radiator drain tap - how to open?
I would like to drain and replace the coolant. On my car ('85), there is a drain tap on the right hand side. See picture below.
I see the lever that is supposed to operate the drain tap. But I was not sure how to open it. The manual literally says the following: "Place a suitable receptacle beneath the radiator and open drain tap at right hand side." That's it.
I tried pushing the lever down. I tried pulling it up. Tried turning it. Does not go. At that point I decided to proceed cautiously and don't apply any more pressure fearing that it could result in irreversible damage.
So, how does one open the drain tap using the lever?
I see the lever that is supposed to operate the drain tap. But I was not sure how to open it. The manual literally says the following: "Place a suitable receptacle beneath the radiator and open drain tap at right hand side." That's it.
I tried pushing the lever down. I tried pulling it up. Tried turning it. Does not go. At that point I decided to proceed cautiously and don't apply any more pressure fearing that it could result in irreversible damage.
So, how does one open the drain tap using the lever?
#2
I would like to drain and replace the coolant. On my car ('85), there is a drain tap on the right hand side. See picture below.
I see the lever that is supposed to operate the drain tap. But I was not sure how to open it. The manual literally says the following: "Place a suitable receptacle beneath the radiator and open drain tap at right hand side." That's it.
I tried pushing the lever down. I tried pulling it up. Tried turning it. Does not go. At that point I decided to proceed cautiously and don't apply any more pressure fearing that it could result in irreversible damage.
So, how does one open the drain tap using the lever?
I see the lever that is supposed to operate the drain tap. But I was not sure how to open it. The manual literally says the following: "Place a suitable receptacle beneath the radiator and open drain tap at right hand side." That's it.
I tried pushing the lever down. I tried pulling it up. Tried turning it. Does not go. At that point I decided to proceed cautiously and don't apply any more pressure fearing that it could result in irreversible damage.
So, how does one open the drain tap using the lever?
#3
As Baxtor said, but be careful at the same time.
They are a Brass tap, and a tapered spindle. They seize readily.
I replaced mine with a simple sump plug and washer.
The 2 I have have soaked in "stuff" for years, still do not turn, and I lost interest many years ago.
MEMORY??????, turn that handle towards the outside of the car.
If you force it too much it may, and I mean may, damage the boss in the radiator, and that will ruin your week.
Reach down the LH side of the radiator, or go from under the car, and drop the lower hose, again being careful not to drown in the rush of coolant.
Dont forget to drain the metal header tank on the LH inner guard, as it does NOT drain with the radiator.
Also pull the small vac hose off the heater tap, this will open the heater tap, and drain the heater system.
They are a Brass tap, and a tapered spindle. They seize readily.
I replaced mine with a simple sump plug and washer.
The 2 I have have soaked in "stuff" for years, still do not turn, and I lost interest many years ago.
MEMORY??????, turn that handle towards the outside of the car.
If you force it too much it may, and I mean may, damage the boss in the radiator, and that will ruin your week.
Reach down the LH side of the radiator, or go from under the car, and drop the lower hose, again being careful not to drown in the rush of coolant.
Dont forget to drain the metal header tank on the LH inner guard, as it does NOT drain with the radiator.
Also pull the small vac hose off the heater tap, this will open the heater tap, and drain the heater system.
#4
#5
The direction is correct, turn toward the outside fully. But first you should clean all the grease and gunk of from around the spigot, you could also use something like PB Blaster and soak the spigot a few times and let stand if needed overnight. that should or may loosen it up to turn, I also had to use a pair of pliers/vice grips (forget which one). If it doesn't feel like it is going to turn follow Grants advice on removing the lower hose. and don't forget to drain the overflow tank.
#6
#7
I concur. Just yank the whole thing out (it's surprisingly easy to do), take it to a competent radiator shop and have them weld in a simple valve.
It's also a good time to ditch the mechanically driven fan...and the sorry excuse for an electric fan...and replace it with some dual electrics. BUT...that wasn't your question :-)
Good luck with it.
John
1987 XJ-S V12
It's also a good time to ditch the mechanically driven fan...and the sorry excuse for an electric fan...and replace it with some dual electrics. BUT...that wasn't your question :-)
Good luck with it.
John
1987 XJ-S V12
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#8
I am sure I will get to e-fan questions soon. But I am not quite there yet. But I will get there eventually...
So, I sense some apprehension towards the "the tuxedo drain tap". Maybe I should go straight to lower radiator hose without even bothering with the drain tap? Don't want to end in a situation where excess pressure or some awkward move will require me pulling the whole radiator out to repair the damaged drain tap.
Are there success stories from folks who keep using the tuxedo drain tap to discharge coolant, time after time after time...?
So, I sense some apprehension towards the "the tuxedo drain tap". Maybe I should go straight to lower radiator hose without even bothering with the drain tap? Don't want to end in a situation where excess pressure or some awkward move will require me pulling the whole radiator out to repair the damaged drain tap.
Are there success stories from folks who keep using the tuxedo drain tap to discharge coolant, time after time after time...?
#9
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#13
Ok. Today I successfully (knock on wood) turned the drain tap and drained the coolant. (I first soaked it in WD40, after that it turned easily.)
Now that I have tried it, the name really fits, I think. It is indeed a tuxedo coolant drain type. Bond could do it while wearing a tuxedo (and making our with a girl, at the same time)
Now that I have tried it, the name really fits, I think. It is indeed a tuxedo coolant drain type. Bond could do it while wearing a tuxedo (and making our with a girl, at the same time)
#15