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Radiator petcock & Rear brake drum questions

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Old 03-08-2006, 06:23 PM
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Default Radiator petcock & Rear brake drum questions

i found a plastic **** type thing with a very narrow tube that runs directly below it on the bottom right side of my radiator (drivers side). Now im pretty sure this is where i can drain the coolant froom the radiator, but how in the hell do i open this ****, vlave like thing, it plastic i dont want to break and im not sure if i should take pliers and pull the **** then turn, any input would be helpful, also off topic if anyone knows how to take the drum off a 3.8,V-6, 1995 bonneville that would also be appreciated

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Old 03-08-2006, 09:50 PM
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Default Re: Petcock ?

An Arc Joint Plier such as the one pictured below works for me.

And Don't PULL on the ****! Remember it'* Lefty Loosey and Righty Tighty when turning the Pet **** ****. After you completely loosen the ****, only then can you pull it out if you wish.

As far as the rear drum goes. What have you tried so far to remove the drum?
Old 03-08-2006, 10:41 PM
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If your rear drums have service holes on them, you will need to use a bolt to back them out. If thats the case, simply find a bolt that fits and tighten it in. You will see your drum back out until it comes off. If you dont have the service holes, then smack it with a plastic mallet more in the center, to knock any rust loose that may be holding it in. Spraying the studs a little with rust penetrant wouldnt hurt.
Old 03-08-2006, 11:49 PM
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thanks for the info about the petcock, i take it that the petcock is much like a screw are bolt with threads, i first thought it was like an open close valve that was stuck.

as for the drum i just tryed to pull it off with my hands but no luck, i hit it lightly around the edges with something i forget but it did nothing.
Old 03-09-2006, 10:02 AM
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Originally Posted by wf2tm51
thanks for the info about the petcock, i take it that the petcock is much like a screw are bolt with threads, i first thought it was like an open close valve that was stuck.

as for the drum i just tryed to pull it off with my hands but no luck, i hit it lightly around the edges with something i forget but it did nothing.
Pardon this extremely basic mechanical question, but you don't have the emergency brake set by any chance, do you?

If you do, release it and the drum will slide right off.
Old 03-09-2006, 10:36 AM
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nah i made sure the parking brake is not set
Old 03-09-2006, 10:45 AM
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BFH works to break the corrosion loose.
Old 03-09-2006, 11:09 AM
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Originally Posted by BillBoost37
BFH works to break the corrosion loose.
And if THAT doesn't work, hit it with a BIGGER Hammer.

All seriousness aside. I think the problem is corrosion that has built up on the edge of the drum. Knocking the crap out of it should remove some of that rust, but if you can't back the brake shoe off more, you might try prying the drum off by using some big screw drivers on either side of the drum and gently(?) pry the drum off. If/when you get the drum off, take some emory cloth or a file and the clean the edge of the drum (and the hub of the drum) to remove the built up corrosion/rust.
Old 03-09-2006, 11:10 AM
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off topic again but when i drain the radiator and run water through it i will drain it and repeat untill i see just water but on my final drain of water when i got to add coolant should i make my mixture something like 70/30 or 60/40 to compensate for the water in the engine block. also im a little confused on bleeding the sysyem because i read some forum where someone said just becasue u refill the radiator it doesnt mean it will flow through the block becasue air pressure wont allow it is that why i leave the radiator cap off.
Old 03-09-2006, 11:16 AM
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Just running water through the radiator won't have much effect on the engine block. The bottom of the radiator is lower than the bottom of the engine, so it won't refill.

Check the type of coolant you're using, but to be on the safe side Iwould use c60/40w mix, and then run the engine til hot, check the level, repeat. Don't forget the escape valve on the thermostat housing to make sure it'* totally full when you're done.


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