cooling system questions

I have a couple off cooling system questions. My first is if anybody knows where the drain plug is on the radiator and I heard that the engine has one too So if anyone could tell me where thats at? Would it be ok to change the radiator cap with one from autozone or do I need one from the dealer because they dont seem to be alike? Should I use the dexcool or go with the regular anti-freeze? I have a 1996 blazer. Thanks

there is no petcock on the radiator that I can recall. As for the radiator cap, any name brand cap will work. A 1996 blazer uses Dexcool (orange) radiator fluid. Be very positive that you get all, and I mean all of the air out of the system. Air in the system is one of the big problems the Blazers, among other GM vehicles, have had problems with. Air in the system causes a chemical reaction with the coolant and can cause a build up of junk in the cooling system. I should know, it happened to me.

how do I get all the air out of the system? Thanks

When u find out let me know I think the same thing might be happenin to my 96 Lt it makes gurgling sounds.

I have a 1995 blazer and the petcock is on the driverside of the radiator (and on the -side- of the radiator) I'm used to previous cars I've had radiator's petcock to be below the radiator cap and facing back... not opposite side facing sideways...so took me a while to find it.

From what I understand after refilling the radiator.. you run it for about 5-10 minutes with the radiator cap OFF.. and it is self bleeding that way (to get airbubbles out)
and I'm pretty sure that is for most any vehicle.

hope this helps..
vballfun

I found where the radiator petcock is. mine was on the passenger side facing towards the back of the car. It is kinda tough to get to. It is a little easier to get at by going through the wheel well. My blazer was making a gurgling sound so when I drained and filled it I ran it without the radiator cap for a couple of minutes and kept topping off the radiator. I guess this is how you get the air out. Thanks for the help.