What is the correct operation of the Drain Plug on the 1GM Cooling system?
I have a Raw Water Cooling System in my 1GM. I am in the process of replacing my thermostat and sensor.
As a part of this process I unscrewed the entire drain plug off the engine block and found it completely blocked with what I can only guess is zinc and engine "debris". I performed this same operation at the beginning of the year and it was also completely plugged (and the zinc was non existent). It was at that time I assumed the debris was the disintegrated zinc.
The drain plug is a threepiece component. The primary piece screws into the engine block. The second piece screws into the primary piece and appears to act as a "plug". The third piece is a simple plastic tube attached to the primary piece. If this secondary plug is not screwed in all the way, it seems it will allow the plug hole to drain and cary out the the debris with just a bit of cooling water outflow.
I cannot find any documentation on how this plug is supposed to be set. Should it be completely closed or somewhat open to allow debris out of the cooling system? It seems it can't be good to have all this metal "gunk" hold up in the cooling system. And based on how well the debris is packed in the drain plug engine hole (I had to apply quite a bit of pressure with a screwdriver to dislodge it) it appears the debris wants to come out and is being forced in this direction.
Does anyone have and suggestions?
Thanks,
Tony
I have a Raw Water Cooling System in my 1GM. I am in the process of replacing my thermostat and sensor.
As a part of this process I unscrewed the entire drain plug off the engine block and found it completely blocked with what I can only guess is zinc and engine "debris". I performed this same operation at the beginning of the year and it was also completely plugged (and the zinc was non existent). It was at that time I assumed the debris was the disintegrated zinc.
The drain plug is a threepiece component. The primary piece screws into the engine block. The second piece screws into the primary piece and appears to act as a "plug". The third piece is a simple plastic tube attached to the primary piece. If this secondary plug is not screwed in all the way, it seems it will allow the plug hole to drain and cary out the the debris with just a bit of cooling water outflow.
I cannot find any documentation on how this plug is supposed to be set. Should it be completely closed or somewhat open to allow debris out of the cooling system? It seems it can't be good to have all this metal "gunk" hold up in the cooling system. And based on how well the debris is packed in the drain plug engine hole (I had to apply quite a bit of pressure with a screwdriver to dislodge it) it appears the debris wants to come out and is being forced in this direction.
Does anyone have and suggestions?
Thanks,
Tony