Draining the radiator

Radiator, thermostat, water pump, antifreeze, etc.
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Topic author
chesehd
I get chills without my van.
Posts: 87
Joined: Sun Feb 25, 2007 5:17 am
Location: The "Staggering Metropolis" of Lebanon, WI

Draining the radiator

Post by chesehd »

Alrighty,

So I'm working on changing the thermostat as it is stuck open.

I still have my '02 factory manual and since mine is an '03 I figure it cannot be too far off the mark. Right?

So I've got the doghouse off, the upper fan shroud out of the way and I'm reaching all over on the bottom corner, trying to find the drain plug to loosen up and...well...drain the rad.

However, after I spent nearly 10 mins searching in vain, I decided that my oversized, sandwich-clamps are simply not getting the job done and finding the drain valve. So, break out the phone/camera and I found this:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/14106849@N04/10030204294/
2003 Astro Radiator drain location.jpg
That large, round spot is where the valve is supposed to be.

Can someone please tell me what I'm missing over here? I have animals around the house/farm and don't feel like thinning the herd with antifreeze flowing everywhere.

Thanks!
Ken

2003 AWD
Back in the saddle on a new horse!

A lot of money is tainted: 'Taint yours, and 'taint mine.

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LiftedAWDAstro
I have my van tatooed on my cheeks
Posts: 4379
Joined: Sat Sep 09, 2006 3:35 pm
Location: New Haven, NY

Re: Draining the radiator

Post by LiftedAWDAstro »

I think the eliminated the drain petcock in the last years. Gonna have to get a large catch pan and pull the bottom hose off. If you go slow with the hose you can control the dumping somewhat.
Current rides:
2013 Toyota Tundra DC 4x4
2008 Dodge Nitro 4x4
2005 Nissan Sentra 1.8S Special Edition

Mileage spreadsheet

Vans owned:
1986 Safari 2.5L 4 speed manual - scrapped
1995 Astro 2WD conversion 4.11 posi, shift kit, DHC rock rails - sold to Skippy
1998 Astro 4x4 D44, D60, NP231, full hydraulic system with 9k# Milemarker winch and snow plow - sold to Lockdoc
2003 Astro AWD all stock - traded for a 3/4 ton truck
2005 AWD, 4.10's - sold to skippy

Topic author
chesehd
I get chills without my van.
Posts: 87
Joined: Sun Feb 25, 2007 5:17 am
Location: The "Staggering Metropolis" of Lebanon, WI

Re: Draining the radiator

Post by chesehd »

That is what I feared the solution was going to be, just hoped for a different answer.

Why in the blazes would they do what they did? Makes no sense to me.

Thanks!
Ken

2003 AWD
Back in the saddle on a new horse!

A lot of money is tainted: 'Taint yours, and 'taint mine.

Image

LiftedAWDAstro
I have my van tatooed on my cheeks
Posts: 4379
Joined: Sat Sep 09, 2006 3:35 pm
Location: New Haven, NY

Re: Draining the radiator

Post by LiftedAWDAstro »

Probably all about the all mighty dollar. The accountants figured it would save $1 per vehicle! ](*,)
Current rides:
2013 Toyota Tundra DC 4x4
2008 Dodge Nitro 4x4
2005 Nissan Sentra 1.8S Special Edition

Mileage spreadsheet

Vans owned:
1986 Safari 2.5L 4 speed manual - scrapped
1995 Astro 2WD conversion 4.11 posi, shift kit, DHC rock rails - sold to Skippy
1998 Astro 4x4 D44, D60, NP231, full hydraulic system with 9k# Milemarker winch and snow plow - sold to Lockdoc
2003 Astro AWD all stock - traded for a 3/4 ton truck
2005 AWD, 4.10's - sold to skippy
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