1972 454 with AC and automatic transmission - access to radiator drain plug

[Randall K.]

The prior owner of my car installed a new radiator decades ago. I just discovered that he mounted the radiator with the drain plug facing forward. I don't own a wrench that would fit into the very narrow space between the radiator mount and the drain plug, so I can't find a way to turn it around.

Any suggestions on a tool, or how to modify a "standard" tool to do this?

TIA!

[Mark E.]

Re: 1972 454 with AC and automatic transmission - access to radiator drain plug

Consider leaving it alone and draining from the lower radiator hose.

Otherwise, would raising the radiator an inch or so provide access? That would involve disconnecting radiator hoses and trans cooler lines, loosening the fan shroud and removing upper brackets. A project but not too bad.

[Leif A.]

Re: 1972 454 with AC and automatic transmission - access to radiator drain plug

The prior owner of my car installed a new radiator decades ago. I just discovered that he mounted the radiator with the drain plug facing forward. I don't own a wrench that would fit into the very narrow space between the radiator mount and the drain plug, so I can't find a way to turn it around.

Any suggestions on a tool, or how to modify a "standard" tool to do this?

TIA!

Just for my edification...how is this possible?

[Mark E.]

Re: 1972 454 with AC and automatic transmission - access to radiator drain plug

Just for my edification...how is this possible?

Leif,

These cars have a 90 degree fitting that screws into the radiator port and can be pointed in any direction.

[Mike E.]

Re: 1972 454 with AC and automatic transmission - access to radiator drain plug

Leif,

These cars have a 90 degree fitting that screws into the radiator port and can be pointed in any direction.

[Brad Hillhouse (37766)]

Re: 1972 454 with AC and automatic transmission - access to radiator drain plug

As Mike said, you will more than likely twist the soldered female nut out of the bottom of the tank before loosening the plug.

I bought a air operated suction pump from a low priced tool place that freights all their tools in from the harbor. Then the entire cooling system can be drained by sucking it out the radiator fill neck with the suction tube inserted all the way to the bottom of the radiator tank.

Far easier than running the risk of breaking the solder joint, and no mess of draining the system by pulling the bottom radiator hose. Here is one I was trying to drain and the ears of the petcock were loose. Tried to just put a 9/16 wrench on the petcock to remove it and drain the system. Had to remove the whole radiator from the car to have the fitting resoldered into the bottom of the radiator tank. Lesson learned.

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[Terry M.]

Re: 1972 454 with AC and automatic transmission - access to radiator drain plug

Leave the drain cock alone. It is there for ornamentation. I have never found one that didn't break loose from the tank and require removing the entire radiator (a huge PITA) to repair.

Drain through the lower radiator hose or use Brad's suction system.

[Leif A.]

Re: 1972 454 with AC and automatic transmission - access to radiator drain plug

Leif,

These cars have a 90 degree fitting that screws into the radiator port and can be pointed in any direction.

Thank you Mark.

[Randall K.]

Re: 1972 454 with AC and automatic transmission - access to radiator drain plug

My bad luck for not reading enough of the responses... as I did exactly what Terry said. Will need to see if it can be fixed. Fortunately, there are radiators available if not. Good news is that I know how to do this now, and discovered some belts with big cracks on the interior.

I actually did weld up a small c-channel with a 1/2 bolt head and managed to turn the 90 degree fitting before I messed up the radiator. Will remember the suction. Could easily do this from the upper radiator hose connection (no fill cap on my radiator).