It maybe Summer, but I'm cooler now!

[Tinkerin_wit_tools]

This past weekend, I replaced the thermostat and coolant temp sensor on my wife's 99 Blazer. It went well, but now I remember the issue I had the last time I had to do her water pump. I spent half the time trying to get the radiator drain cock open. I don't know why they don't make them better, but I wanted to ask if anyone has any suggestions for next time. I managed to wrangle it open but with all the limited space to work in down there, what tools do I use to open and not strip the heck out of that cheap piece of plastic??? I used, or tried to use a long nose set of pliers and a stubby slotted screwdriver and got it to open eventually......Thanks for any input

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by Tinkerin_wit_tools

This past weekend, I replaced the thermostat and coolant temp sensor on my wife's 99 Blazer. It went well, but now I remember the issue I had the last time I had to do her water pump. I spent half the time trying to get the radiator drain cock open. I don't know why they don't make them better, but I wanted to ask if anyone has any suggestions for next time. I managed to wrangle it open but with all the limited space to work in down there, what tools do I use to open and not strip the heck out of that cheap piece of plastic??? I used, or tried to use a long nose set of pliers and a stubby slotted screwdriver and got it to open eventually......Thanks for any input

Leave it alone.
If not broke do not try to fix it or it may get broke.
Most plastic drains are old and brittle and may break or leak if fooled with.
Just remove rad hose to drain.

[Tinkerin_wit_tools]

Originally Posted by MT-2500

Leave it alone.
If not broke do not try to fix it or it may get broke.
Most plastic drains are old and brittle and may break or leak if fooled with.
Just remove rad hose to drain.

Well, hot damn! It's always the simple things...Thanks for the tip, next time, if there is a next time, I will definately do so. If it just costs a few cents for a new hose clamp, at least I won't have to get a headache from the drain cock anymore. Thanks for the input!!!

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by Tinkerin_wit_tools

Well, hot damn! It's always the simple things...Thanks for the tip, next time, if there is a next time, I will definately do so. If it just costs a few cents for a new hose clamp, at least I won't have to get a headache from the drain cock anymore. Thanks for the input!!!

You are welcome.