Clogged engine block coolant drains? (6 Viewers)

[bignoob221]

So I bought this gx470 and am doing routine maintenance and want to change the coolant. Especially considering I didnt have any records for it and the coolant is a SOLID and THICCC brown and with as much rust particles floating as McDonalds uses in their fries .

When I go to drain the block by cracking those brass fittings on both sides of the engine. Nothing. Not even a slow drip. Since there isnt a good line of sight to see into the fitting when you remove the brass plug. I tried picking at it and its hard as a rock.

I figured that its probably rust and corrosion that has formed over the drain fitting causing my clog. (This old coolant has done more damage to these fittings than I do to my toilet after Taco Bell). But I digress.

The only way I can think of to unclog this is setting my air compressor as high as it goes, and trying to blow this stuck turd up from the bottom.

So I want to ask. Is this a good idea? Is there a better way to fix this? I considered unscrewing the drain fitting to see if its the fitting thats clogged. Or the entire block. But I dont know how to reseal the fitting? It looks like there is a bit of sealant formed around the threads. But Im not sure. Can I just use standard Teflon tape? Paste teflon tape? Coolant rated RTV? So please, if anyone has dealt with this. Or knows of a solution. Please let me know.

Thanks!

 

[SteveH]

@bignoob221 - I would gingerly remove the entire fitting(s), clean/replace, and use PTFE paste when reinstalling. I doubt you'll be able to clear it with compressed air or a coat hanger in place. While you have the fitting out, see if you can't backflush the block from that fitting area (may not be possible, but worth trying).

 

[GXFamily]

Try to use compressed air to blow into the fitting and then see if it will
drain

 

[Stonefoot72]

Mine were just like you're talking about. Like the gentleman above said, I pulled mine completely off and cleaned the elbow tube with dental picks and reinstalled. Problem solved for me.

 

[bignoob221]

Mine were just like you're talking about. Like the gentleman above said, I pulled mine completely off and cleaned the elbow tube with dental picks and reinstalled. Problem solved for me.

What did you use to reseal the drain fitting? I have both Teflon tape and rtv on hand. Just not sure which would be better.

Also, for an update. I used thermocure's rust treatment flush thing. Going to leave it on there for like a month and flush. Will see where that gets me. My last resort will be removing the fittings and cleaning out with a pick or compressed air.