'76 Automatic radiator drain plug location and procedures

[mosman58]

Hi

 

Have a '76 auto. Looked through the archives and the Haynes manual. Can't see the drain plug on the radiator.

 

Do I just drain from the block?

 

 

 

Edited February 10, 2018 by mosman58

[Simeon]

You might not have one. The factory location is a small plug located in the middle of the bottom tank, facing the engine compartment. 

 

If not, the pull the bottom hose to drain the rad and the block plug to drain the plug. 

[Joesprocket]

I have a refurb bmw rad and it’s located on the lower right side if you’re facing the car. Good luck. 

[mosman58]

OK - I'll go have another look.

 

Also if i need to remove the radiator - I will have to drain the transmission and disconnect the 2 lines from the transmission.

 

[Dudeland]

2 hours ago, Joesprocket said:

I have a refurb bmw rad and it’s located on the lower right side if you’re facing the car. Good luck. 

I have a 75 and it is in the same place. 

[Greg R aka Big_Lebowski]

I have a 76 automatic and it's in the same place as Joesprocket described.  Lower left side if your looking from the front of the 02.  Its a bit of a booger to get to!

Edited February 11, 2018 by Big_Lebowski
spelling

[Dudeland]

Just now, Big_Lebowski said:

I have a 76 automatic and it's in the same place as Joesrocket described.  Lower left side if your looking from the front of the 02.  Its a bit of a booger to get to!

 

It is so much easier just to pop off the hose. 

 

[Greg R aka Big_Lebowski]

1 minute ago, Dudeland said:

 

It is so much easier just to pop off the hose. 

 

 

First time I drained it from the plug as described.  I recently replaced my thermostat and popped the hose.  

[mosman58]

Thanks

to remove the radiator, I will have disconnect the transmission oil lines as well?

[John_in_VA]

2 hours ago, mosman58 said:

Thanks

to remove the radiator, I will have disconnect the transmission oil lines as well?

 

To remove the radiator you will need to disconnect all water hoses & transmission lines.  If you're only planning to drain the coolant from the radiator then there is no need to disconnect the transmission lines.

[mosman58]

Thanks for the clarification

 

I’m replacing my Behr AC and needed to remove all of the existing AC. Was hoping not to remove the radiator but to replace the condenser etc looks like the radiator will have to come out - very tight in that space

 

 

[Dudeland]

1 hour ago, mosman58 said:

Thanks for the clarification

 

I’m replacing my Behr AC and needed to remove all of the existing AC. Was hoping not to remove the radiator but to replace the condenser etc looks like the radiator will have to come out - very tight in that space

 

 

I am about to put in Behr AC in my car.  What are you replacing in yours?  I have a Sanden compressor, hose kit, condenser and fan with a Hobidedave bracket. 

 

What size is your condenser? Have you tested the evaporator? if so how?

 

 

 

[mosman58]

Bought the kit from dtechparts so replacing everything