How do you drain the radiator on a 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup?

Answer 1

Caution, coolants can be very hot and cause injury, plus they are very dangerous to pets; the sweet taste of coolant can kill your pets.

Use safety glasses.

Make sure the coolant has cooled down and one uses a rag or cloth before safely removing the radiator pressure cap.

Attach a hose to the bottom fitting of the draincock located at the bottom left of the radiator...This hose should empty into a two gallon bucket.

The drain plug tab should be in a vertical position before turning.

Turn the plug CCW 1/4 turn, and then pull out slightly while turning CCW to the last 1/4 turn.

The plug only turns ½ turn. Go any further; you could damage the plug.

Coolant should now be flowing into the bucket, if not, there could be blockage inside the valve.

Please don't damage the plug or body, radiators are very expensive.

You may have to remove the bottom radiator hose if the valve is blocked to drain the coolant...This can be very messy...Prevent coolant from splashing into your eyes or face, whereas injuries can occur.

Warning, keep rags, loose clothing and body parts away from fan blades when engine is running.

After repairs, fill the cooling system with new coolant if necessary, and allow air to escape with cap off during engine warm up until radiator coolant level stabilizes at normal temp before adding additional coolant and securing the cap.

Note hot coolant may overflow from the fill neck at the top of the radiator...Use caution to prevent burns!

The radiator cap should be in good condition...no cracked rubber or broken spring. Coat the two rubber pieces inside the cap with coolant to help make a good seal to prevent vacuum and coolant losses. Remember to top off the coolant recovery tank to the proper level.