Draining Coolant

[sthorn11]

Silly question...how do you get to the drain plug on the radiator. I see it on the bottom drivers side, but do not see any easy way to get to it. Any ideas? Or do I just have to try and shove my arm down there and reach it. Thanks in advance for any and all help!

[2000CAYukon]

Originally Posted by sthorn11

Silly question...how do you get to the drain plug on the radiator. I see it on the bottom drivers side, but do not see any easy way to get to it. Any ideas? Or do I just have to try and shove my arm down there and reach it. Thanks in advance for any and all help!

Go at it from underneath (if you can); otherwise, I use a pair of angled pliers to break it loose.

//2000CAYukon

[96Suburban]

I just replaced the water pump on my 96 and found the best way to get at the drain plug was taking off the fan shroud (upper and lower)...since on my 96 you can't take out the bottom of the shroud without removing the fan, just unscrew the bottom shroud and shift it over so you can get at the plug easier - I think it was 7 screws up top and 2 on the bottom....good luck

[Ketch]

get a pair of small vise grips or equivalent. I use a pair of needle nose vise grip pliers to reach in from above, come in horizontally and clamp the pliers on to the end of the plug. This gives the twist torque and access for your hand to turn it out. Pull out as you turn because the thing has a cam action at least on my 99 it does. Leave it clamped until you are ready to close it back up. Pulling the shroud helps too. Works for me everytime.