I want to drain the radiator on a 2000 Cadillac NorthStar engine (STS model Cadillac). Where is the drain petcock, driver or passenger side of radiator, and how is the best way to access it? I do not see it from looking under the hood down at the bottom. I just do not see a ''usual petcock'' type drain! Thank you for any assistance that you can provide!!!

For a Northstar engine, it is usually located at the right end (passenger side) of the back cylinder head.

Partially drain the radiator (drain is at the bottom on the driver's side of the radiator - you need to remove the front air deflector panel underneath the car to get at it). Remove the air cleaner assembly. Remove the outlet hose from the thermostat housing (this hose is the one attached to the top of the radiator on the driver's side - it is NOT the inlet hose which is routed across the top of the radiator). Remove the bolts holding the thermostat housing to the water pump, then the thermostat and gasket. Carefully clean off any gasket material from the water pump and housing, install the new thermostat and gasket, and reverse the procedure. Make absolutely sure you install the thermostat correctly - in must be installed in the same orientation as the old one.

You should have the computer checked for trouble codes next.

some radiators may not have a drain plug,if you want to drain the radiator you can remove the bottom radiator hose from the radiator( not while it is hot in case you get burnt)......hope this helps......cheers.

near the bottom of the radiator on the engine side there s a drain petcock valve you can unscrew which will drain the radiator and the motor. you can also take the lower radiator hose off at radiator and let coolant drain into pan, connect hose and refill.

Side of the engine has a counter sink screw that is a drain plug & THE LOWER RADIATOR HOSE OR A PETCOCK IF ONE IS INSTALLED

REPLACE THERMOSTAT AND RADIATOR PRESSURE CAP TO BE ON THE SAFE SIDE.I SEEN CADILLAC RUNS A 192 TO 199 DEGREE THERMOSTAT.CADILLAC 4.6L 4.9L ENGINES ARE BIGGER THEY RUN A LITTLE HOT THAN MOST ENGINES.

undo the plug

Which engine? Northstar V8's have the starter under the intake manifold. Not too difficult to replace though.

Please check the radiator it may be leaking or there may be hole in the coolant container or the sensor is defective get it checked ..................................