How to Drain & Fill the Radiator on a Chevrolet One Ton Diesel Truck

The coolant running through the diesel engine of your 1-ton Chevrolet truck keeps the engine from building up excessive heat. When performing a repair on the cooling system of your engine you will first need to drain the coolant from the radiator and then refill the coolant level before running the engine. Chevrolet 1-ton trucks include a petcock to ease the process of draining coolant from the radiator.

Instructions

1

Open the hood of your Chevrolet 1-ton diesel truck. Allow the vehicle to cool for four to six hours if the engine is hot.

2

Push down on and turn the radiator cap counterclockwise. Pull the cap from the radiator.

3

Crawl under the truck. Follow the tube running from the bottom of the radiator. Slide a large drain pan under the end of the tube.

4

Turn the petcock located at the end of the tube counterclockwise to start draining the radiator; use pliers if it will not turn by hand. Turn the petcock clockwise when coolant stops flowing from the tube.

5

Remove the drain pan from under the truck.

6

Fill the radiator with GM approved coolant. Secure the cap onto the radiator. Close the truck hood. Dispose of the coolant per your local regulations.