Drained Radiator, now leaking

[GaJim]

Changed the coolant on daughter's 2001 VW New Beetle recently and now the radiator drain plug (aka a pitcock?) is leaking very slowly. Almost as if the thing is not tightly connected. Does anybody know how to remove the drain plug and repair it?

TIA, Jim

[mark_gober]

I realize this may be too late, but I'll offer my advice anyway...for future readers.

I've been working on my niece's beetle lately and the radiator petcock threw me for a loop. Whereas most radiator petcocks simply unscrew to open, the VW's is different. You rotate it 90 degrees to unlock it and then just pull it out. To close, you push it back in and rotate it 90 degrees clockwise. It's wierd, but that's how you do it.

[GaJim]

Originally Posted by mark_gober

I realize this may be too late, but I'll offer my advice anyway...for future readers.

I've been working on my niece's beetle lately and the radiator petcock threw me for a loop. Whereas most radiator petcocks simply unscrew to open, the VW's is different. You rotate it 90 degrees to unlock it and then just pull it out. To close, you push it back in and rotate it 90 degrees clockwise. It's wierd, but that's how you do it.

Yea, I finally figured it out. I wound up having to gently pry it out with a flat blade screwdriver. Replaced the O-ring and no more leaks.