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Coolant draining M38A1
Posted: Fri Jun 09, 2017 4:23 pm
by cabinfever
Does anyone have any tips on how to "easily" get at and open the engine block petcock (F-head) so I can fully drain my coolant? I guess I have "Popeye forearms" because they prevent me from grasping the valve.
Posted: Fri Jun 09, 2017 9:53 pm
by wesk
Must have big arms. I have never had any problem reaching and turning it. I can offer up a special tool you can make and use.

Posted: Sat Jun 10, 2017 7:06 am
by cabinfever
Great recommendation! Thank you.
Posted: Sat Jun 10, 2017 7:30 am
by wesk
Or you can spend more tool money!!

Camco petcock tool

Lisle petcock tool set
https://www.amazon.com/Lisle-60450-Radi ... B00B01H5E2

Thexton THE485 Petcock Socket Set
https://www.amazon.com/Thexton-THE485-P ... B000OCKJJG
Posted: Sat Jun 10, 2017 8:30 pm
by Hawkshadow
On the L134 which has a similar valve, I just use a long anything (screwdriver, punch, rod, etc) and give it a couple of light taps to get it going. I would imagine you could apply the same for the F head engine.
To catch the coolant I use an old pop bottle as a funnel attached to a longer funnel tube. The pop bottle can be shaped and flexed to fit into place to avoid having coolant everywhere.

Posted: Sat Jun 10, 2017 8:46 pm
by 4x4M38
Nice, Jordan!
Thanks for that!
Posted: Sun Jun 11, 2017 7:56 am
by cabinfever
Hawkshadow, yesterday I did just that. I used a drift from a 3/4" square, 16" long piece of pine and tapped on the petcock's left wing. After that, I could turn the wings with my finger tips. When it was drained, I did the opposite and gave the right wing a light tap with the drift to seal.
I am still going to make a tool like the one in Wes' drawing once I get the tee fitting I need for it.
Posted: Sun Jun 11, 2017 6:24 pm
by Hawkshadow
Glad I could help!