Radiator drain plug not screwing in

jstew · Jul 22, 2023

Just picked up a Patriot, and decided to flush the rad. I was able to remove the petcock, but it won't screw in all the way now.

It does hold water and won't leak but pushes the plug out under pressure.

It seems like whatever this petcock screws into is broken. (see pic). Do I need a new rad?

todde702 · Jul 23, 2023

I had the same issue the first coolant change I did and I replaced the petcock with one from the Help! Section at advance. They don't list (or at least they didn't) the patriot on the part, but they are visually the same. And the new one had a nice finger paddle on the end instead of the dumb screwdriver slot. Drain it back down into a clean bucket and take it with you to match it.

jstew · Jul 23, 2023

todde702 said:
I had the same issue the first coolant change I did and I replaced the petcock with one from the Help! Section at advance. They don't list (or at least they didn't) the patriot on the part, but they are visually the same. And the new one had a nice finger paddle on the end instead of the dumb screwdriver slot. Drain it back down into a clean bucket and take it with you to match it.

That's what I ended up doing, but it still won't screw in. There doesn't seem to be anything left inside the radiator to screw into.

todde702 · Jul 23, 2023

Oh, that's not good. In my case it was just the petcock insert. If you have the front bumper off and full access to that area, you could try drilling a small hole towards the end of the petcock body that sticks out from the radiator and pinning it in place with a long Brad nail or something similar. Make sure to press the petcock in firmly while drilling. A dab of silicone can be used to hold the "pin" in place. Or you can also just clean and epoxy it in and drain via the lower hose in the future.

Treegrower · Jul 23, 2023

Probably no help from me. If I remember correct, that plug pushes in at only the correct orientation, and then turns only 90 degrees. Seems that others have had difficulty getting it to engage. Maybe just try altering your technique? Make sure your o-ring is not swollen/distorted. Best of luck.

For anyone visiting this thread, I posted a coolant change work-around to avoid the hassle and possible plug breakage to be used IF your coolant has been maintained and in excellent condition (no scale, debris to flush out) - the purple coolant maintains the system pristine.

Engine Coolant Change Work-Around

The 2013+ Patriots have purple OAT coolant supposedly good for 10 years or 150,000. I think today's coolants are superior to the old green coolants of yesteryear and that partial (radiator) drain and fills at shorter intervals are o.k. vs. total flushes. Our radiator drain plug access requires...

www.jeeppatriot.com

jstew · Jul 23, 2023

todde702 said:
You could try drilling a small hole towards the end of the petcock body that sticks out from the radiator and pinning it in place with a long Brad nail or something similar. Make sure to press the petcock in firmly while drilling. A dab of silicone can be used to hold the "pin" in place.

This worked! For anyone else trying this in the future, it does not work with the Dorman aftermarket plug. That thing is hollow, and you'll get a coolant shower after drilling it like I did 😂. I had the Mopar plug laying around and that one worked just fine.

This is my daughter's car so I put a dab of jb weld on it instead of silicone just to be safe.

You saved me so much work and trouble, I would like to buy you a beer! If you have paypal, DM me you paypal address and I'll send you a few bucks.

jstew · Jul 23, 2023

Treegrower said:
Probably no help from me. If I remember correct, that plug pushes in at only the correct orientation, and then turns only 90 degrees. Seems that others have had difficulty getting it to engage. Maybe just try altering your technique? Make sure your o-ring is not swollen/distorted. Best of luck.
View attachment 99059

For anyone visiting this thread, I posted a coolant change work-around to avoid the hassle and possible plug breakage to be used IF your coolant has been maintained and in excellent condition (no scale, debris to flush out) - the purple coolant maintains the system pristine.

Engine Coolant Change Work-Around

The 2013+ Patriots have purple OAT coolant supposedly good for 10 years or 150,000. I think today's coolants are superior to the old green coolants of yesteryear and that partial (radiator) drain and fills at shorter intervals are o.k. vs. total flushes. Our radiator drain plug access requires...

www.jeeppatriot.com

My plug hole was toast. Nothing in there to even grab on to. Your workaround is a good tip and if I ever have to drain this thing again, I'll do it that way.. I ended up removing the bumper 3 times this weekend, and it gets old fast. My coolant was mucky, green stuff with what looked to be k-seal in it. Replaced it with the purple coolant and hope nothing ever leaks, and this will be the only time I have to do it.

todde702 · Jul 24, 2023

jstew said:
This worked! For anyone else trying this in the future, it does not work with the Dorman aftermarket plug. That thing is hollow, and you'll get a coolant shower after drilling it like I did 😂. I had the Mopar plug laying around and that one worked just fine.

This is my daughter's car so I put a dab of jb weld on it instead of silicone just to be safe.

You saved me so much work and trouble, I would like to buy you a beer! If you have paypal, DM me you paypal address and I'll send you a few bucks.

Glad to hear that! No need for money, we're all here to help each other out and save money!

Radiator drain plug not screwing in

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