Radiator Drain Valve - Nothing coming out - Not draining

[jacobsen]

I turned this Valve about 90 Degrees until I felt resistance. Nothing comes out? I've search this and it sounds like some folks suspect it's because there has been stop leak in the system. I don't think the previous owner would have used stop leak in this car but I can't be 100% Is it a common problem for that valve to fail or clog? How many turns should you get out of it? My the coolant valve on my galant does 1 full turn and it's open. Obviously I can pull the temp sensor to drain the coolant too put it seems odd that the valve wont open or wont drain when it's open....

[MikTip]

Pull the temp sensor

[jacobsen]

Pull the temp sensor

I did that but I'm wondering why the valve could be clogged, that worries me...

[jacobsen]

I can clearly see the valve twisting inside this housing because I have the temp sensor out... Are you supposed to pull the valve out after you twist it or pull while you twist it? I can see it turning... hmmmmmmmmm

[old guy]

Just use an ice pick, nail, screwdriver, whatever and clean out whatever is clogging the valve. I never mess with mine because I figure it's likely to break if I do. Pulling the sensor is easier and drains faster anyway.

[MikTip]

Fantastic Plastic!

[zz2h33]

on mine (3.0) i had to turn 90*, pull out on the valve then turn another 90*.

[nein-reis]

You have to pull it after you turn it. Don't break the stupid thing, pull the sensor.

[MikTip]

Pull the temp sensor

[xhackerekx]

no clogged audi no clear plastic from drain valve, easy way just pull sensor out

[refueler]

With what I'm going thru with my cooling system if you don't have don't drain the system don't. Maybe there is something wrong with mine but every time I drain my cooling system I can't get the air out. When the temperature gauge indicates the engine is at operating temperature I get heat at 2000 RPM or more but cool air at idle I've bled, drained and refilled half a dozen times. Unless you absolutely have to drain the system don't do it. If anyone has any suggestions I'd like to hear them.

[jacobsen]

With what I'm going thru with my cooling system if you don't have don't drain the system don't. Maybe there is something wrong with mine but every time I drain my cooling system I can't get the air out. When the temperature gauge indicates the engine is at operating temperature I get heat at 2000 RPM or more but cool air at idle I've bled, drained and refilled half a dozen times. Unless you absolutely have to drain the system don't do it. If anyone has any suggestions I'd like to hear them.

There is a screw on the black pipe running across the top of the Intake Manifold that if you loosen it it will help bleed air from the system. Also after you fill the system keep the reservoir cap off for a while. You most certainly should flush your coolant every couple years, it gets all sludgy and rusty after a while and can clog your heater core and build up sediment. Sounds like you have a clogged heater core, try using some radiator flush chemical. Or your thermostat is bad, it is possible your thermostat is bad. I'm flushing mine with distilled water a million times and using Zerex radiator flush. Then I'm filling up with G13, it lasts 5 years.

[SlickFix]

With what I'm going thru with my cooling system if you don't have don't drain the system don't. Maybe there is something wrong with mine but every time I drain my cooling system I can't get the air out. When the temperature gauge indicates the engine is at operating temperature I get heat at 2000 RPM or more but cool air at idle I've bled, drained and refilled half a dozen times. Unless you absolutely have to drain the system don't do it. If anyone has any suggestions I'd like to hear them.

Or, you can invest in a tool like this and never have to worry about air in the system ever again.

[SlickFix]

I turned this Valve about 90 Degrees until I felt resistance. Nothing comes out? I've search this and it sounds like some folks suspect it's because there has been stop leak in the system. I don't think the previous owner would have used stop leak in this car but I can't be 100% Is it a common problem for that valve to fail or clog? How many turns should you get out of it? My the coolant valve on my galant does 1 full turn and it's open. Obviously I can pull the temp sensor to drain the coolant too put it seems odd that the valve wont open or wont drain when it's open....

Do you happen to have the 3.0 engine? On my Avant with the 3.0, nothing happened when I turned the valve, too. I had to actually pull the plug out and then the coolant all came rushing out. And btw there is no sensor in there, just a black plastic plug.

Also, don't forget to pull the hose off of the oil cooler, too. There's lots more fluid in that section of the engine.

[diagnosticator]

Air must be allowed to enter the system so that coolant can flow out of the drain valve. Remove the expansion tank cap.

[Charles.waite]

It pulls out 180* not just 90*.

I started a thread on this or something two years ago. It was sort of a facepalm moment but I was a serious newb at the time. And it was a 2.0t which doesn't have the lower rad temp sensor like the 1.8t.

Having said that, its FAR FAR easier and quicker, and no more messy, to just pull the temp sensor.

[jacobsen]

How can a little valve be so complicated, thanks Germany.. lol