I am trying to find the radiator drain plug on my 96 SSE. I've been told it is on the engine side of the radiator, but I cannot find it. Perhaps what I have in mind is not matching what I see. Anyone have a pic? thanks

I've done a search on this site...although not exhaustive, and cannot find this info.

Ok..on the driverside of the radiator..right at the bottom..where the radiator sits on the metal shelf. It'* right there..you can't see it. you can feel it though.

It will look something like



or



BUT ours are plastic, so be careful with it.

Ours are merely a flat piece of black plastic that gets turned...it'* a simple plastic valve


(No way am I agreeing with John on that one!)

Look up through the hole in the front subframe right under the driver'* side of the radiator.

Just not while you are turning the valve...that'* where the fluid comes out.

Not sure how much is changed but I know in good light I can see mine by look down and have my head pinted to the front of the car.

Here'* a suggestion. Unless you have a specific reason for messing with the badly placed plastic drain valve, leave it alone. Why? 'Cause with older cars, too often when you go to open the drain, the rubber seal inside tears or twists and you can't get the dang thing to seal up again without pulling out the radiator and repairing it. Drain the rad for top end jobs (like thermostat) by using a piece of smaller diameter rubber or vinyl hose to siphon nearly to the bottom of the rad side tank. You can put the hose in a gallon jug and save the coolant for re-use that way. If the rad needs to be completely emptied, just undo the clamp on the lower hose on the passenger side and drain it there.

Just my $0.02.

Totally agree with Bill...I've done and suggested it many times. Also if you need to drain the whole system you can disconnect the lower radiator hose for the same effect as the drain plug.

Thanks for all the help. I ended up draining by using Bill'* suggestion to undo the clamp on the passenger side lower hose. Worked great! I had to drain the coolant to change the water pump.