Has anyone tried to build their own radiator drain? If I switch to Evan's coolant this summer I want a easy way to drain it out and be able to put it back in the system.

 

I built one based on JohnKoaWood's design, he really put together a great setup based on parts from Jegs, full credit to John for this great idea (and the parts list and pictures below). Everyone should do it, draining coolant on these cars makes such a mess, with this setup you just drain right into an old container, no mess!

http://reutterwerk.com/forums/showth...r+drain&page=7

www.jegs.com

361-9919DFDERL 10MM X 1.50 TO #6 AN STRT 11.99
361-230502 SHUT OFF VALVE 3/8FPT-6AN 36.99
799-658500 Universal Hose Assembly 24.99
361-592406 FTG BULKHEAD NUT -6 2PK 2.99
361-981666 FTG -6 STRGHT TO 3/8"NPT 3.99
361-592906 FTG AN CAPS -6 (2PK) 3.99

 

Ow that is like $80? I do like the 10mm X 1.5 to AN adapter, with an AN cap that'd be a nice replacement for a lost or broken drain plug (but more capable of stripping out the radiator.)

 

Pimpin ain't easy.

 

LR has an inexpensive kit.

 

To both I say..

You DO get what you pay for!

I REALLY REALLY REALLY couldn't be happier with my drain... You COULD use a cheaper valve, and a cheaper line... but I'm all about using Earls parts on my cars!

The jam nut on the valve, can be used to secure the valve to an easy to fab bracket, and the AN outlet on the valve can be connected to another line... drain the coolant wherever you want!

And yes, Pimpin truly ain't easy!

 

This is motivational. I'd like to make one up without the hose though -- just a valve and a barbed fitting I can slip a hose over when I need to drain it. Any particular benefit in having the hose attached, other than to avoid the inevitable "where's that hose -- it must be around here somewhere" problem...?

 

I bought my drain parts from Greenline hose and fittings in Calgary for about 10 bucks. Its high quality parts for far cheaper than an auto parts place. I do have AN fittings on the car for other things. Some are Earls, Aeroquip Canton Russel

Not sure about Earls though... The Dixie chicks didnt have nice things to say about Earl....then again who the F#%%<|\ would listen to them

 

In the case of the set I made... it was all about parts selection..

You COULD try to source a valve to fit the fitting that goes into the radiator...

 

Is the cap on the end of yours needed to prevent leaking or does the valve seal completely without issues?

 

Valve seals completely, and has remained so for the last 40K miles... has been used to drain twice since instal (it is a teflon lined ball valve)l.

I capped it to prevent accidental leak (valve opening while driving.. not entirely impossible), and contamination of the valve.

 

The valve seals completely without issues on mine. The cap on the end is just extra security - and keeps dirt out of the valve.

The great one, JohnKoaWood, provides his drain hose disciples with both security and cleanliness.