Radiator Replacement - Drain plug

If the radiator is not installed correctly it will leak due to the added strain on the unit here is a guide to help you install it correctly with diagram below to show you how on your car.


https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-car-radiator


Also make sure you get a high quality replacement. Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.

Thank you so much I checked it out and it looks like the front end is bent causing the strain so I had to modify one part of it and now the radiator fit in there great! thanks for the help I love this site.

Nice work, we are here to help, please use 2CarPros anytime.

Well, a new radiator has been installed for the third time in six months now. I notice after the car runs for a short distance that the temperature gauge needle moves up to the halfway point. I don't notice any leakage, or hissing noise and coolant level seems to be okay. What do you think is going on now??

this is normal operation as long as it does not go over 3/4 at any time. good luck i'll be here if u needed.

Yesterday she said the gauge went past the 3/4 mark close to the red. I told her to turn the car off wait five minutes then go back down the road. She said it then stayed around the 1/2 mark. Maybe the Temp Gauge is acting up? I popped the hood when she got home. I did not hear or see anything unusual. The coolant level in the tank was below the Cold level mark however.

leave the a/c off and make sure the fans are working. start the car and watch the gauge when it's over half way the fans should be turning on soon.

Pretty certain the Fans are working. When she pulled the car up to the house and turned the car off I could hear the Fans still circulating. But I will double check this afternoon. When I took my car to the shop yesterday I told the mechanic about my wifes radiator issue. He said that GM cars were known for instrument cluster problems. Have you heard that? I also will ask the guy that put the radiator in the last three times if he put a new thermostat in as well.

their clusters have their problems. but in this case i think the coolant temp. sensor controls the gauge and the fan relay for fan operation.

Where is the petcoc located to change the radiator coolant on my car listed above LT model?

Hello,

In the diagrams down below I have included the instructions on how to drain and fill your vehicle's cooling system from the vehicle manufacturer. Please go through this guide and get back to us with how everything turns out.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros

Thanks this is great.
Joe

2004 chevy malibu 6 cylinder heat comes and goes temp gauges flexes, water reservoir is drained almost daily, weve replaced the water pump and and thermostat, bled the radiator

pressure test system, looking for leaking lower intake manifold gasket/possible head gasket failure or cracked head, also check proper fan operation.

looking for radiator drain plug, found what looks like it on drivers side, white nylon, has a open where you can insert 1/4 drive extension. Just turns, does nothing either way you turn it, will not tighten up or loose.

You found it!

It can only be turned a half turn or it will break, it then can be pulled out enough to let the fluid drain, it doesn't came all the way out.

If it only turns, either way, does that mean it broke? If so, how do you replace it?

I am trying to drain the radiator on my 2002 Chevy Malibu. The Auto Parts store says it'a a small black plug on the bottom but I can't find it. Could someone please tell me where the plug is? Or were I can see a diagram....Thanks!-----Debbie

IT will be on the bottom of the radiator I believe on the passenger side, but have seen them on the driver's side as well. Ther are plastic tanks on either side and the plug is in there. IT will only have a 1/4" square hole. A 1/4" drive extention will go into it. You only turn it a little 1/4 to a half of a rotation, any more and you break it. that should open the valve up.

how can i perform a radiator flush by myself on my 2007 chevy malibu i can find no drain plug under the radiator

Hi there,

Some radiators do not have drain plugs, to do a complete flush remove a heater hose, lower radiator hose at the radiator and the thermostat housing & thermostat, back flush the heater with low pressure water, then place water hose into heater hose that is connected to the block, flush here, also flush out radiator & flush with hose in thermostat housing, when water runs clean, you are done, replace thermostat and seal/ gasket with new, replace hoses and top up coolant, bleed air and run till normal temp is up, check heater is hot, check for any leaks.

mark (mhpautos)