dumb radiator draincock (petcock) question

[LCA078]

Still slowly doing fluid changes and a thorough PMCS on my new-to-me 1097A2 before I get it on the road. Today's task was inspecting the cooling system which had no liquid in the coolant reservoir. Dropping underneath to check all the hoses for leaks, cracks, etc, I noticed the Tee for the drain cock (or petcock) was missing. My first reaction was "Oh crap, I hope it wasn't run without coolant!!!" The TM show part number DC603-2 which is a common Parker product https://ph.parker.com/us/en/product/drain-cocks/dc603-2. But when I removed the fitting to take it to Napa for a replacement, coolant poured out so I quickly put the fitting back in. I'm guessing this particular drain cock is one of those that drains when you screw it in? And it seals by backing it out? If so, does the Tee have a detent or something to keep it from backing out completely?

I'm assuming any 1/8 NPT threaded petcock will work, right?

 

[Mogman]

That drain cock is plugged, it looks like they tried to drain it and pulled the "tee" out trying.
That pipe looks like it has seen better days, you may want to just replace the whole thing, at least removing it, cleaning it and inspecting it would be the minimum as you have no idea what the inside looks like, it probably has rust on the inside too as that is most likely what plugged the drain cock,
You need to check ALL the fluids, including the diffs, portal hubs, steering etc. they drain the fluids out of some trucks before they sell them.

 

[LCA078]

That drain cock is plugged, it looks like they tried to drain it and pulled the "tee" out trying.

Roger. I was quite surprised when I pulled out the fitting and clean, green coolant came out. But I'll dump all do a good flush and inspect the pipes/hoses while I'm up in it. Good call on removing the pipe to inspect.

You need to check ALL the fluids, including the diffs, portal hubs, steering etc. they drain the fluids out of some trucks before they sell them.

Yes, absolutely. This truck had "No Oil" on the windshield that was crossed out. The site team (not Gov Planet) said they added oil to verify it started with a jump but there is no way they added fresh oil as it looked pretty black when I changed it. It's not the first time I've seen used oil "recycled' at these facilities for drained vehicles. The good/bad news is the steering pump and transmission have bright, red fluid. The good news is it appears to be new fluid but the bad news is I have no idea what kind. Also, the steering/power brakes had air in them so I agree they probably drained it before shipping and then tried to top it off at the site with fresh fluid...thus all the air. Those will probably be the last to tackle...

But yeah, the hmmwv is still on the trailer parked in the shop and I'm slowing going through it when I have free time. Only starting it to verify good pressure, no leaks, bleed air in power steering, etc.

I've purchased a few pieces of equipment labeled "All fluids drained". I've been lucky so far as all the equipment I've bought were drained by removing hoses and drain plugs and then installing them only hand tight. This way I can tell which hoses/plugs have been removed and I tighten them up before I use the equipment. But I've heard horror stories of other times when the de-mil folks just cut hoses or jab holes in tanks. It can be such a crap shoot....

 

[Milcommoguy]

Still slowly doing fluid changes and a thorough PMCS on my new-to-me 1097A2 before I get it on the road. Today's task was inspecting the cooling system which had no liquid in the coolant reservoir. Dropping underneath to check all the hoses for leaks, cracks, etc, I noticed the Tee for the drain cock (or petcock) was missing. My first reaction was "Oh crap, I hope it wasn't run without coolant!!!" The TM show part number DC603-2 which is a common Parker product https://ph.parker.com/us/en/product/drain-cocks/dc603-2. But when I removed the fitting to take it to Napa for a replacement, coolant poured out so I quickly put the fitting back in. I'm guessing this particular drain cock is one of those that drains when you screw it in? And it seals by backing it out? If so, does the Tee have a detent or something to keep it from backing out completely?

I'm assuming any 1/8 NPT threaded petcock will work, right?

View attachment 955654

Might?? like to upgrade to the stainless lower tube. Search the web. Prices can vary, steel cheap $90... stainless twice, $$, sooo shop it.

Looks like this. Better fuel economy, cooler engine temps, less wind drag on the BiG rusty spots.

Shinny and not rusted or busted, CAMO