1999 Ford Taurus Replace a Broken Petcock
From WikituneUp - The Free Service Manual
The petcock valve on a 1999 Ford Taurus drains the radiator. Since a broken petcock valve will cause the radiator to leak, you must replace a damaged petcock to prevent serious damage to the coolant system or the engine. The petcock valve is located at the bottom of the radiator. Purchase the petcock valve at any Ford dealer or even a local automotive parts store.
[edit] Tools Used
| Tools |
|---|
| Socket wrench |
| Container |
| Flat-head screwdriver |
| Water pump impeller |
[edit] Replace a Broken Petcock
- Open the hood for access to the engine compartment. Locate the lower valance at the bottom of the vehicle. It is bolted from the driver side to the passenger side by several bolts.
- Unscrew the valance. Remove all 15 bolts with a socket wrench, then remove the valance from the vehicle.
- Place a drain pan under the radiator. Loosen the handle on the petcock to allow the radiator to drain.
- Unscrew the petcock valve from the radiator once the radiator has drained out. Use a pair of pliers to loosen the petcock valve.
- Wrap teflon tape around the threads of the new petcock valve. This will help to prevent leakage in the future.
- Tighten the petcock valve to the radiator with pliers. Ensure the handle on the petcock valve is closed.
- Tighten the valance to the bottom of the vehicle. Ensure all the bolts are tight to secure the valance in place.
- Twist the radiator cap counter counterclockwise. Pour in fresh coolant until the radiator is full. Start the car and allow it to idle. Once the car has warmed up, the coolant level will drop. Pour in additional coolant until the radiator is full. Close the radiator cap by tightening it clockwise.
- Turn the car off and close the hood.
[edit] Tips & Warnings
- Contact a local recycling center for disposal of the waste coolant.
