V8 Vantage coolant drain

[Aschwartz985]

I found the coolant drain valve on the bottom of the radiator, but can't get it to drain. The drain is a quarter turn valve. I can turn the valve, but nothing comes out. Thinking that maybe I need to turn the valve then pull it out, like a stopper, I tried that, but it won't budge. I'm afraid to manhandle it too much. Is it advisabke to pull one of the lines going to the engine oil cooler? Those seem to be low enough, but not sure that'll empty the radiator. Can anyone advise? I'm trying to replace the coolant while replacing the thermostat.

[SHIFTY]

Have you removed the pressure cap, nothing in the workshop manual re the drain plug.

[Aschwartz985]

I did remove the cap and there's nothing in the manual. The manual just says something generic like "open the drain". One AI search engine said to turn the valve left a 1/4 turn while pulling out. I tried that and pulled fairly hard but got nothing. It's plastic so I don't want to get too rough with it. The lower radiator hose is about half way up the radiator, so draing from there won't get me very far. Shouldn't be this difficult, but it seems to be.

[skhannes]

Is is a hard stop at a 1/4 turn?

One version of these drains is more like 3/4 of a turn (actually threaded), but by the handle looks like 1/4 turn.

And, in my experience, the ones that were 1/4 turn actually had to be pulled out as well, not just the turn. I would try a pair of pliers on the handle and turn back forth 1/4 turn several times and at the same time continue with gentle downward force with the pliers. All of these valves use an o-ring that becomes dry over time and resistant to easy movement

[Aschwartz985]

Thanks. I'll give that a try. Yes, it's a hard stop when turned to the left. It's closed in the 3 o'clock position and turns left to the 12 o'clock position. Maybe the sweet spot is somewhere in between. I only tried to pull it open from the fully-open 12 o'clock position.

[Aschwartz985]

I was able to get it open with your suggestion and appreciate the help. I turned it to the fully open position and used a pair of long-reach, bent nose needle nose pliers to grab the valve and got some leverage by pushing against the lower radiator support bracket. You were correct that it's probably just a tight fit and has likely never been opened in 13 years.

[skhannes]

Aschwartz985 said:

I was able to get it open with your suggestion and appreciate the help. I turned it to the fully open position and used a pair of long-reach, bent nose needle nose pliers to grab the valve and got some leverage by pushing against the lower radiator support bracket. You were correct that it's probably just a tight fit and has likely never been opened in 13 years.

Glad you were able to get it.

If the valve comes completely out, I strongly suggest you replace the o-ring.

Best,