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Radiator drain plug clogged?

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Old 12-05-2008, 12:17 PM
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Default Radiator drain plug clogged?

I started to flush my radiator until I realized that my drain **** was plugged. I pushed a small allen wrench up the drain to break the blockage with no luck. I tried running the truck with the drain open and nothing happened. I would have had no idea that there was some blockage if not for me trying to flush the system (op temp is fine, no coolant in the oil, etc). The Dodge Service Manual mentions using a pressured system which I'm sure only shops have.

Does anyone have any ideas? Like maybe taking a small air compressor and trying to push some air up the drain?

I didn't take off the Block Drain Plug yet...should I do that?
 
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Old 12-05-2008, 02:19 PM
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How far did you unscrew the drain? It took maybe two turns before stuff came out. Keep unscrewing it.
 
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Old 12-05-2008, 02:30 PM
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Yeah, I just did that last night. I turned it and was like "What the hell, nothing's coming out!" I tried to turn it further and it turned more, and popped out. When it popped out then the rad. started draining.
 
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Old 12-05-2008, 03:04 PM
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ya my drain doesn't work, so i just slowly drop the lower rad hose,, let me tell you it can get messy fast,, take your time and have the biggest bucket under your truck you can get.... that's only if you can't get the drain open.
 
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Old 12-05-2008, 03:19 PM
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These trucks have a drain plug?!? I did mine by dropping the radiator hose...where is this plug located? Bucket...who needs a bucket? That's what the yard is for...crazy hippies
 
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Old 12-05-2008, 03:26 PM
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Yeah, I thought I was doing pretty well with my little tube going into a gas can to get all of the fluid. I even jacked the back of the truck up. When I took the hoses off there was still plenty of coolant to go all over the damn place. It's like 17* here now so I can't just hose it into the floor drain-- I guess I have to keep the dogs out of the garage until it warms up a little :P.
 
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Old 12-05-2008, 04:08 PM
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Thanks for the replies. I'll try to turn it until it pops out!

Does everyone open the engine block plugs as well. The one on the left side will be more difficult to get to.
 
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Old 12-05-2008, 04:17 PM
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If you want to get it all you have to. I didn't because I was just replacing the radiator, but the left one does look like a bitch to get to.
 
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Old 12-05-2008, 04:27 PM
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We have drainage! Thanks again.
 
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Old 12-05-2008, 07:58 PM
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Where is the radiator plug?
 

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