Radiator Drain

[flipster784]

Help! I've got a 2001 4.0L XJ, and I can't find the drain petcock on the radiator (even after I've removed the grill) or the cylinder block drain plug! Sorry people, I'm a rookie at this, can someone please helP.

[vamc]

It should be on the bottem right or left on the back of the
radiator, thats where it should be. be gental taking it off, it could be rusted and if you break it, your screwed. So take your time and put some PB Blaster or some wd-40 on it. try that.

[flipster784]

Thanks, I'll give it a try.

[cmlind]

On my 2000 Cherokee it is on the passenger side. It is plastic. When I flushed the system, I drained it all from the block. The radiator is higher than the block plug, so that is all you need to get the radiator empty. I don't have small enough hands to get to the drain cock on the radiator. I could barely even see it.

[flipster784]

Yeah tell me about, I banged up my hand trying to work on it. It's not as accessible as it should be. Thanks for the advice on draining with the block. About how far off is your engine plug from the firewall? I think I found mine just below the firewall (passenger's side as well) and a few inches towards the rear. I haven't had the chance to find out yet, just visually searching. I believe the '00 and '01 share the same engine.

[cmlind]

We should have the same setup with the 4.0. The block drain is on the drivers side about half way. It is accessible with a socket from underneath. It is hard to see or, but once you get a wrench on it it should be no problem. I should mention that it needs a square male socket to remove. I had trouble finding one, but they do exist at some parts stores or online tool places like harborfreight tools. I think it is a 5/16". Just a little too small for a 3/8" socket. Put a little teflon tape on it when reinstalling to seal and make sure it will not sieze on there for next time. Good Luck!

[flipster784]

Well, I finally found the drain plug, unfortunately I don't have a male socket as you said. Now I've gone on harborfrieght.com to find the tool like you said, but I didn't see it. Do you know what catalog number of it so I can search that? It looks really tough to get into, hopefully once I find that socket its as easy as you say once you get the wrench on it.

[cmlind]

Check out www.thetoolwarehouse.net. Search for pipe plug sockets. That is the technical name. They are around $65 for a set. I looked and I got those ones. Maybe Napa or someone would have just the 5/16 one.

[Saudade]

Usually, you can use a 12 point socket on these. You can find them just about anywhere. Sears also carries 8 point sockets (if you have one near you).