1985 Ford F-150 - Radiator Drain Cock

What is a Radiator Drain Plug or Petcock?

A radiator drain petcock, also known as a radiator drain valve or shut-off valve, is a small component located at the bottom of the radiator that allows users to easily drain coolant from the radiator. This simple valve or drain plug can be easily unscrewed to drain the cooling system, then tightened and sealed to fill the system during service or a system flush. This can also be useful when performing maintenance on the cooling system, such as replacing a water pump or thermostat. Radiator petcocks are designed to be opened and closed easily, but if the radiator petcock becomes corroded or the threads strip, then the petcock may not seal correctly and cause coolant leaks. If you notice your car is leaking coolant, check the condition of the radiator drain petcock. It is also possible for the petcock or drain valve to become stuck and make it difficult to use. It's important to note that the petcock should only be opened when the engine is cool to avoid the risk of being scalded by hot coolant. Additionally, care should be taken to ensure that the coolant is properly disposed of, as it can be harmful to the environment. If you need a replacement radiator drain petcock, O'Reilly Auto Parts offers radiator drain valves, hoses, hose clamps, and coolant for a complete cooling system repair. You can also learn more about how to flush and fill your cooling system with our https://www.oreillyauto.com/how-to-hub/article-the-difference-between-shocks-and-struts resources.