Fixed radiator drain valve pet cock leak Dodge Dakota
I got the radiator drain valve fixed. It is located in the lower left (driver) side of the radiator on my stock 1999 Dakota 5.2.
You have to go gentle on the plastic tab once it might be stuck from heat so you do not want to break it.
With engine cool, try rotating valve tab back and forth gently until you can rotate it free counterclockwise. Rotate 1/2 turn to open valve and drain coolant. You may attach a hose to the valve drain tube on the bottom to collect coolant.
If valve is leaking, turn it gently further counterclockwise about another 180° or a bit further and it will come off.
There are 2 plastic tabs that hold valve inside the radiator bore so there is a correct position to pull valve off and put it back in without damaging tabs or valve. Once off, it is easy to replace the 0 ring.
On mine the 0 ring was cut and missing a piece so it was leaking bad.
Be careful when re installing the valve back in, make sure it is in the right position to pass the 2 plastic tabs inside the radiator bore. It takes some effort to push it in once new 0 ring will not let the valve enter the bore easy. I used some lube and had to hold valve in place at right angle and centered with 2 fingers and use a light hammer to get it in.
Once 0 ring enters the bore, the valve will easily allow turning clockwise 1 full turn and lock in place.
No more leak.
Mine was not leaking untill I had to replace the water pump and flushed system a few times, when 0 ring broke.
Here are some pics, hope this may help someone else with the same issue.
