How to Drain a Radiator on a Chevy Trailblazer

Draining the radiator in the Chevrolet Trailblazer is a quick task that takes as long as draining coolant. Draining your radiator will come in handy if you need to replace the radiator. You will want the radiator drained before you remove it from the Trailblazer. You will also want to drain the radiator to flush the system to help remove any debris or sediment from the radiator.

Things You'll Need

• Drain pan
• Crescent wrench

Instructions

1. Place a large pan underneath the engine compartment. It should be directly under the radiator and capable of holding at least four gallons of coolant.

2. Open the hood to access the engine compartment. The radiator is located directly in front of the motor behind the grill. Opening the hood will provide extra light while you are underneath the Trailblazer.

3. Locate the petcock valve at the bottom of the radiator. The valve will be located on the bottom left of the radiator.

4. Open the valve with a crescent wrench. Allow the coolant to drain freely into the drain pan.

5. Unscrew the hose clamp on the bottom radiator hose. Pry the hose off the radiator piping to allow the system to fully drain.

6. Put the hose clamp back onto the radiator piping and tighten the hose clamp. Ensure the hose clamp is tight on the hose by pulling the hose to see if it is loose.

7. Close the petcock valve with the crescent wrench. Tighten the valve snugly so no coolant will leak out.

Tips & Warnings

• Contact your recycling center or parts store to ensure proper disposal of the drained coolant.

• Use caution when working around the coolant system. Do not attempt to work on the system, when it is hot, as it will result in burns.

References

• Tutorial on Radiator Replacement
• Tutorial on Radiators