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Radiator Replacement - Drain plug

Tiny
LINKUP99
  • MEMBER
  • 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 56,000 MILES
This car has only 56k miles on it. We purchased it as a Salvage vehicle. The original Radiator had to be replaced about six months ago. The replacement (2nd) radiator lasted about one week and started leaking. So the parts dealer sent a replacement radiator (3rd). Now it has sprung a leak as well. So now it needs a (4th) Radiator. What the heck do you think is going on here? Just a string of real bad luck? Or, is something else in the car causing these radiators to fail?
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Sunday, December 28th, 2014 AT 4:34 AM

21 Replies

Tiny
CADIEMAN
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,544 POSTS
If the radiator is not installed correctly it will leak due to the added strain on the unit here is a guide to help you install it correctly with diagram below to show you how on your car.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-car-radiator

Also make sure you get a high quality replacement. Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.
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Sunday, December 28th, 2014 AT 6:35 AM
Tiny
LINKUP99
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Thank you so much I checked it out and it looks like the front end is bent causing the strain so I had to modify one part of it and now the radiator fit in there great! Thanks for the help I love this site.
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Sunday, December 28th, 2014 AT 1:41 PM
Tiny
CADIEMAN
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,544 POSTS
Nice work, we are here to help, please use 2CarPros anytime.
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Sunday, December 28th, 2014 AT 2:20 PM
Tiny
LINKUP99
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Well, a new radiator has been installed for the third time in six months now. I notice after the car runs for a short distance that the temperature gauge needle moves up to the halfway point. I don't notice any leakage, or hissing noise and coolant level seems to be okay. What do you think is going on now?
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Tuesday, January 6th, 2015 AT 3:41 AM
Tiny
CADIEMAN
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,544 POSTS
This is normal operation as long as it does not go over 3/4 at any time. Good luck i'll be here if u needed.
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Tuesday, January 6th, 2015 AT 5:05 AM
Tiny
LINKUP99
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Yesterday she said the gauge went past the 3/4 mark close to the red. I told her to turn the car off wait five minutes then go back down the road. She said it then stayed around the 1/2 mark. Maybe the Temp Gauge is acting up? I popped the hood when she got home. I did not hear or see anything unusual. The coolant level in the tank was below the Cold level mark however.
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Thursday, January 8th, 2015 AT 4:10 AM
Tiny
CADIEMAN
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,544 POSTS
Leave the a/c off and make sure the fans are working. Start the car and watch the gauge when it's over half way the fans should be turning on soon.
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Thursday, January 8th, 2015 AT 6:26 AM
Tiny
LINKUP99
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Pretty certain the Fans are working. When she pulled the car up to the house and turned the car off I could hear the Fans still circulating. But I will double check this afternoon. When I took my car to the shop yesterday I told the mechanic about my wifes radiator issue. He said that GM cars were known for instrument cluster problems. Have you heard that? I also will ask the guy that put the radiator in the last three times if he put a new thermostat in as well.
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Thursday, January 8th, 2015 AT 10:25 AM
Tiny
CADIEMAN
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,544 POSTS
Their clusters have their problems. But in this case I think the coolant temp. Sensor controls the gauge and the fan relay for fan operation.
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Thursday, January 8th, 2015 AT 10:52 AM
Tiny
JABRAMO
  • MEMBER
  • 49 POSTS
  • 2011 CHEVROLET MALIBU
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 60,000 MILES
Where is the petcoc located to change the radiator coolant on my car listed above LT model?
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Thursday, October 3rd, 2019 AT 11:56 AM (Merged)
Tiny
SCGRANTURISMO
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,897 POSTS
Hello,

In the diagrams down below I have included the instructions on how to drain and fill your vehicle's cooling system from the vehicle manufacturer. Please go through this guide and get back to us with how everything turns out.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros
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Thursday, October 3rd, 2019 AT 11:56 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JABRAMO
  • MEMBER
  • 49 POSTS
Thanks this is great.
Joe
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Thursday, October 3rd, 2019 AT 11:56 AM (Merged)
Tiny
WESARNDT
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 80,280 MILES
2004 chevy malibu 6 cylinder heat comes and goes temp gauges flexes, water reservoir is drained almost daily, weve replaced the water pump and and thermostat, bled the radiator
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Thursday, October 3rd, 2019 AT 11:57 AM (Merged)
Tiny
PROTECH1980
  • MEMBER
  • 901 POSTS
Pressure test system, looking for leaking lower intake manifold gasket/possible head gasket failure or cracked head, also check proper fan operation.
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Thursday, October 3rd, 2019 AT 11:57 AM (Merged)
Tiny
CLAUDE5
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 75,000 MILES
Looking for radiator drain plug, found what looks like it on drivers side, white nylon, has a open where you can insert 1/4 drive extension. Just turns, does nothing either way you turn it, will not tighten up or loose.
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Thursday, October 3rd, 2019 AT 11:57 AM (Merged)
Tiny
SERVICE WRITER
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,123 POSTS
You found it!

It can only be turned a half turn or it will break, it then can be pulled out enough to let the fluid drain, it doesn't came all the way out.
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Thursday, October 3rd, 2019 AT 11:57 AM (Merged)
Tiny
CLAUDE5
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
If it only turns, either way, does that mean it broke? If so, how do you replace it?
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Thursday, October 3rd, 2019 AT 11:57 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BUFFEKINS
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU
I am trying to drain the radiator on my 2002 Chevy Malibu. The Auto Parts store says it'a a small black plug on the bottom but I can't find it. Could someone please tell me where the plug is? Or were I can see a diagram. Thanks!Debbie
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Thursday, October 3rd, 2019 AT 11:58 AM (Merged)
Tiny
SERVICE WRITER
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,123 POSTS
IT will be on the bottom of the radiator I believe on the passenger side, but have seen them on the driver's side as well. Ther are plastic tanks on either side and the plug is in there. IT will only have a 1/4" square hole. A 1/4" drive extention will go into it. You only turn it a little 1/4 to a half of a rotation, any more and you break it. That should open the valve up.
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+4
Thursday, October 3rd, 2019 AT 11:58 AM (Merged)
Tiny
HOSTILBLAZER
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2007 CHEVROLET MALIBU
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 65,000 MILES
How can I perform a radiator flush by myself on my 2007 chevy malibu I can find no drain plug under the radiator
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Wednesday, October 30th, 2019 AT 5:53 PM (Merged)

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