OK, time I did my tune up on this machine and at 100k miles, that included changing the antifreeze. I unsrewed the petcock instead of just disconnecting the radiator hose. (20/20 hindsight, what?)

The fluid flowed out poorly, so I unscrewed it more. After a bit of sucking out the overflow, I undid the radiator cap and it flowed out regular like, into the 4 gallon bucket I set below it. After it stoped, I put clear water into it to flush out the radiator and that went well.

My intention then was to close the petcock, fill the radiator with water and run around the block a few times to bring it up to temp and then let it cool down and drain again. The petcock took a bit to close but it did and I filled and drove, etc....

After draining the radiator (after it cooled down somewhat), the petcock will not close. As I turn it, I can feel it trying to catch on something and it seems to click every 1/4 turn or so. It either drains fast, or at another 1/4 turn, it drains fast. I've turned it clockwise and counterclockwise 50 times. There is no change in the resistance or flow.

This is an '03 HO. I've tried pulling the valve out (reading about changing out the O-ring) and it won't pull out. I've tried pushing in as I turn, and that aparently doesn't work either (or I wouldn't be here).

Five day weekend (Friday off [9/80], Labor day and 1st wife has surgery on Tuesday) and I need my truck. I was only changing the antifreeze.

What do I need to do to close the system and feel confident it will remain closed?

 

You need to push the draincock in and turn it. It is a half turn quick drain plug. Push it in hard while turning and maybe it will catch.