Radiator drain valve

[FrankN4]

Does anyone know where the radiator and/or block drain valve is located on the GM 2.2 engine as used in the Chevrolet Cavalier. If so, could please try to explain its location to me.

 

[Chris142]

Don't mess with it. If you break it off you will be in trouble. Pull a hose to drain it instead.

 

[Mucho_MPG]

+1 on leaving it alone. Torquing off a petcock on the radiator and ruining it sucks big time. I just take off lower/upper hose and call it a day.

 

[FrankN4]

"DOH" ....Thanks guys, that makes good sense. After 204,000 miles, I might enen get new hoses.

 

[oldmaninsc]

I think some GM cars do not even have a drain valve. I haven't looked, but I've been told my 05 Trailblazer with I6 engine does not have one.

 

[Donald]

I might try the radiator petcock. But you should know how much force to use.

 

[brianl703]

Some GM cars have hoses in the middle of the radiator, so you HAVE to open the drain valve if you want to get the lower half out of the radiator...

On my mom's car (2.2L 2004 Malibu Classic), the valve faces the front of the car and you can open it without even getting under the car (for a car that's supposed to be able to go 5 years between coolant changes, they sure made it easy...). It's on the driver's side of the radiator. It takes a 1/4" square drive so use a 1/4" extension.