Was going to drain my cooling system and flush it before I put fresh antfreeze in it, but I cannot figure out how to drain the radiator. I see the drain, but there is not a screw to unscrew for it to drain. Anyone seen this before? With that said, is the only way to drain the radiator is to pull loose the lower radiator hose? Also I have teh smaller radiator measuring 28 or 29 inches across the radiator viens between the reservoirs on each end. Any idea how much radiator fluid it holds?

 

Okay I bought 2 gallons of radiator fluid; Peak Extended life. However after talking ot the mechanics at work this morning I am worried I bought the wrong stuff. Good thing I have not poured it int the system yet. Anyhow I was told that I should buy the radiator fluid that has the Dex Cool in it. Reason being that the Peak or Prestone both being Extended Life will attack the O-rings and gaskets causing future failures. I was told to get the coolant with the Dex Cool in it. Is this true or will the Peak be safe? Just trying to postpone an early failure of gaskets or O-rings.

 

if you're only draining the radiator and not doing a full system flush, you need to get whatever is already in the system (pink/orange is dexcool, green is standard). because you wont get all the coolant out that way.

the truck holds about 4 gallons total, so you should be good on two gallons. as far as the radiator hose, as far as i know its the only way, and its definitely the easiest.

 

Cool appreciate the information. I am in the process of fl;ushing the whole system by emptying the systema nd adding water. Then I will drive it and drain it. I will repeat the process a few times and I will be good to go.

 

yep that ought to work out good for ya.

 

Between the motor and the radiator it must hold more than 2 Gallons. I let it drain and drain and then I even took my Air compressor hose and blew air through the reservoir and forced more water out. So after filling it with a gallon of antifreeze and a gallon of distilled water it is checking low. So I am letting it cool over night and recheck it in the morning before I add another bit of 50/50 mix.

 

total radiator and engine it holds about 4 gallons...

 

June 2023
getting back to the drain valve issue...I now have the very same issue. Found the drain location, attached hose....but nothing in the plastic hole where valve should be. What and how to drain system now?
Capacity got this question set aside. Sorry 😞
Still curious ... short of radiator replacement