How to Drain a Radiator on a 1999 Oldsmobile Cutlass

Draining the radiator on your Cutlass is a simple task that can be accomplished in under 30 minutes. If properly cared for, your radiator should last throughout the life of your car. The coolant in your car should be changed every 30,000 miles depending on driving and weather conditions. Before making repairs or removing the radiator, proper draining of the coolant should always be done first. Draining the coolant from the radiator can be done in your driveway or a properly ventilated garage. Always use safety when you're handling any type of coolant. Small animals like cats and dogs are attracted to the smell of coolant. Consumption of any uncovered coolant or puddles left on the ground can prove fatal to small animals.

Instructions

1

Raise the front end of the 1999 Cutlass with the car jack slightly. The wheels should not leave the ground. Create only enough space for you to slide under the front end of the car without it resting on you. Slide the jack stand into position to the left of the car jack. Raise the jack stand so it is the same height as the car jack and insert the locking pin to secure.

2

Pop the hood on your 1999 Cutlass and slowly remove the radiator cap. If you have recently driven the car wait one full hour before attempting. Place the radiator cap safely to the side of your work area.

3

Locate the radiator's drain petcock on the far right, bottom corner of the radiator. The petcock on the radiator should be either black or red. It will be flat on both sides and resemble the wind-up dial on a music box.

4

Slide the coolant drain pan directly under the drain that is next to the petcock. Turn the petcock counterclockwise until the coolant starts draining from the radiator. Do not completely unscrew and remove the petcock, just turn it enough to start draining the radiator.

5

Allow the radiator to drain for 30 minutes. Close the petcock on the radiator securely and slide the coolant drain pan slowly from under the car.

6

Lower and remove the car jack from the front end of the 1999 Cutlass. Put the radiator cap back on securely.

7

Carefully fill each of the empty coolant bottles with the coolant from the drain pan. Don't fill them to the top; stop filling at 80 percent. Two empty coolant bottles are enough to hold all of the discarded coolant. To reduce the risk of spilling, evenly distribute the coolant into all three bottles. Properly dispose of the coolant at a recycling center or store it for later use.