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steve_g1's avatar
steve_g1
Explorer
Aug 03, 2014

How to drain 454 radiator without a mess

I have a 1994 Winn. Adventurer with the Chev. 454, and it's time to do my first cooling system flush and fill. The radiator drain has a tube that could take a hose, but it is right down against part of the support/frame/housing. I tried just opening the drain and coolant ended up running down all over the place, since it ran on top of various things and found many ways down. Does anyone have any tips or tricks for this basic service, other than just letting it run down the driveway to the storm sewer--just kidding, I'll bring it someplace before I do that.

Any help will be appreciated!

Steve G. in Roseville, MN

14 Replies

  • Slip a piece of rubber hose over the drain petcock. It needs to fit snugly but allow you turn the handle.
  • I used a cheap transfer pump from Harbor freight. Did have to buy longer tube to get to bottom of radiator. Saved 1 gal milk jugs and filled them up with old stuff and I also knew how much to put back in. I also jacked up rear to get out as much as possible. Not on 454 but 5.9 with rad drain that breaks and hard to get to and makes a mess. So this worked me, Good Luck http://www.harborfreight.com/multi-use-transfer-pump-66418.html