Radiator drain plug question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Uwe Blab · 08-22-2009, 11:29 AM

Has anybody come up with an adaptor for the radiator drain plug? Right now it drains like somebody is putting their thumb over the end of a hose. Makes it hard to collect into a milk jug. Plus it gets all over the frame and anything else in a one foot radius.

I'd prefer something that has a narrow downspout with a thumb screw on the side to open and close the flow.

Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions.

Adam

pumpkin · 08-22-2009, 11:39 AM

I use a 90 deg spark plug boot and a piece of 3/8 tubing to direct it to where i want.

cdowns · 08-22-2009, 11:49 AM

it''s called a petcock//slipping a length of hose over the end is the traditional classic retro ratrod way of being tidy

Uwe Blab · 08-22-2009, 12:27 PM

Great suggestions. Thanks for the help. I assume the petcock is something I can pick up at the local O'Reilly's? Is there a particular size I need, and does it thread directly into the radiator?

Also, I think the plug that came with the radiator has some type of wings on the inside to keep it from coming all the way out. I can't remember for sure, and I haven't fooled with it much because of the mess it makes. If it does have the wings to keep it from pulling all the way out, how best to get it removed so I can install the petcock?

Sorry for all the questions, and thanks for the help.

Adam

Uwe Blab · 08-22-2009, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uwe Blab

Great suggestions. Thanks for the help. I assume the petcock is something I can pick up at the local O'Reilly's? Is there a particular size I need, and does it thread directly into the radiator?

Also, I think the plug that came with the radiator has some type of wings on the inside to keep it from coming all the way out. I can't remember for sure, and I haven't fooled with it much because of the mess it makes. If it does have the wings to keep it from pulling all the way out, how best to get it removed so I can install the petcock?

Sorry for all the questions, and thanks for the help.

Adam

Any help on my follow up questions? Much obliged.

Adam

Sinister · 08-22-2009, 08:37 PM

I'm pretty sure an auto parts store would have a petcock, if not Summit would. That plug should just screw right out.

Uwe Blab · 08-22-2009, 08:42 PM

Thanks, Sinister.

Johns72C10 · 08-23-2009, 08:24 AM

UWE,

My son just installed a radiator and the plastic plug does have a "wing" on the inside to keep it from falling out. Agree, the plastic plug makes a real mess when draining. Depending on who made your radiator, the threads may be metric. My son's was and the local parts stores didn't have one to fit properly, although he only had a day to find one.

pumpkin, great tip. Thanks

08-22-2009, 11:29 AM	#1
Uwe Blab Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Overland Park, Kansas Posts: 134	Radiator drain plug question Has anybody come up with an adaptor for the radiator drain plug? Right now it drains like somebody is putting their thumb over the end of a hose. Makes it hard to collect into a milk jug. Plus it gets all over the frame and anything else in a one foot radius. I'd prefer something that has a narrow downspout with a thumb screw on the side to open and close the flow. Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions. Adam

08-22-2009, 11:39 AM	#2
pumpkin Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: East Sooke B.C. Canada Posts: 543	Re: Radiator drain plug question I use a 90 deg spark plug boot and a piece of 3/8 tubing to direct it to where i want.

08-22-2009, 11:49 AM	#3
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: Radiator drain plug question it''s called a petcock//slipping a length of hose over the end is the traditional classic retro ratrod way of being tidy __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

08-22-2009, 12:27 PM	#4
Uwe Blab Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Overland Park, Kansas Posts: 134	Re: Radiator drain plug question Great suggestions. Thanks for the help. I assume the petcock is something I can pick up at the local O'Reilly's? Is there a particular size I need, and does it thread directly into the radiator? Also, I think the plug that came with the radiator has some type of wings on the inside to keep it from coming all the way out. I can't remember for sure, and I haven't fooled with it much because of the mess it makes. If it does have the wings to keep it from pulling all the way out, how best to get it removed so I can install the petcock? Sorry for all the questions, and thanks for the help. Adam

08-22-2009, 08:37 PM	#6
Sinister Between Trucks... Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA. Posts: 3,830	Re: Radiator drain plug question I'm pretty sure an auto parts store would have a petcock, if not Summit would. That plug should just screw right out. __________________ Beat it to fit, Paint it to match...

08-22-2009, 08:42 PM	#7
Uwe Blab Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Overland Park, Kansas Posts: 134	Re: Radiator drain plug question Thanks, Sinister.

08-23-2009, 08:24 AM	#8
Johns72C10 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Littlestown,PA Posts: 55	Re: Radiator drain plug question UWE, My son just installed a radiator and the plastic plug does have a "wing" on the inside to keep it from falling out. Agree, the plastic plug makes a real mess when draining. Depending on who made your radiator, the threads may be metric. My son's was and the local parts stores didn't have one to fit properly, although he only had a day to find one. pumpkin, great tip. Thanks

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