OK, ,Newby here, but a long time wrench twirler. My question is where is the radiator drain on a 2000 Dakota 4.7L? You can't even see the bottom of the radiator, much less a drain ****. And yes I have removed the splash shields from underneath. Factory service manual says there is a drain, but not how to access it.

 

It should be on the drivers side, on the side of the radiator just up a bit from the bottom. You may have to remove the splash shield to access it.

You won't get much out of it.

I put in a flush kit as it wasn't worth the hassle.

 

Yes, I found it. It has a hose attached that was kinked, so I put on a new piece, opened the valve 1/4 turn (that's as far as it will turn), and nothing comes out. Tried compressed air to open it up, and that won't go through either. Is it possible that there is that much dissolved engine laying in the bottom of the radiator? Or does the valve turn more than 1/4? Anybody know for sure before I break it?

Perhaps that is what one gets for never flushing it in 14 years when the book says every three years.

BTW, for all the well-meaning people that say pull off the lower hose, there is no lower hose. It is 2/3 of the way up the side. Can't do much draining from way up there.

 

You have to turn it and then pull. It's not a typical valve.

I'd be careful.

 

i have a 2001 with the 4.7 liter engine. Where would you suggest installing the flush kit?

 

If you go with the Prestone kit they suggest the heater inlet hose.

If you look at the water pump you'll see the two heater hose connections. Follow the upper heater hose and tube assembly to the heater core, this is the heater supply. The heater supply tube connects to a rubber hose there. You can install the flush fitting in that line.

 

OK, I got the job done. But I made myself a special tool to do it with. I milled a slot in the end of a piece of 3/4" hex aluminum to fit over the drain valve tab. Then used a 3/4" wrench to turn it. Works so well, I think I'll make a finder ring for the slotted end and a hand **** for the other end. Sorry guys, that's just the way I am.