Drain Coolant-2003 Suburban

[beckeja]

I have a 2003 Suburban 5.3L and see on the bottom driver's side of the radiator a small hole that appears to be the way to drain the radiator. I cannot see into this hole and it is to small for my finger to fit in it to feel what is inside. Is there a special tool for this? It is not the standard Pepcock/drain plug that was used for so many years. Also there is not a radiator cap, so I imagine that you fill up the radiator via the surge tank. Thanks

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by beckeja

I have a 2003 Suburban 5.3L and see on the bottom driver's side of the radiator a small hole that appears to be the way to drain the radiator. I cannot see into this hole and it is to small for my finger to fit in it to feel what is inside. Is there a special tool for this? It is not the standard Pepcock/drain plug that was used for so many years. Also there is not a radiator cap, so I imagine that you fill up the radiator via the surge tank. Thanks

on the side of the radiator directly above the hole facing the firewall you will see a flat ridge in a round resessed hole turn the plastic ridge ccw and coolant should flow out the hole directly below.... when adding coolant make sure you keep cap off fill tank, until engine is hot or you may trap air in engine/hoses....

[beckeja]

I cannot find a "flat ridge above the hole". I cannot figure out how this radiator would drain. The original hole that I had mentioned I stuck a screwdrive in and there was nothing that the screwdriver could grab to turn it ccw. This is very frustrating. I guess I will just pull off the lower radiator hose and be done with it. Thanks

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by beckeja

I cannot find a "flat ridge above the hole". I cannot figure out how this radiator would drain. The original hole that I had mentioned I stuck a screwdrive in and there was nothing that the screwdriver could grab to turn it ccw. This is very frustrating. I guess I will just pull off the lower radiator hose and be done with it. Thanks

were I live the gas stations that do repair work will gladly point out this little black plastic valve..... its about the size of a dime and it is a flat ridge that with no tools your thump and index finger squeezing tightly you rotate......NO TOOLS REQUIRED....now if nothing comes of the hole at the bottom of the radiator then it must be plugged with sludge or other debris...