2005 S60 Radiator Petcock seems stripped?

[rnsc]

Petcock was stuck, would not turn. I did not force it.
Had garage replace the timing belt.
I have it back now. I went to try the petcock again. opened really really easily (Yeah!). Stuff came out.
Went to close it, turned really really easy to close, then only a little harder with a bumpity feel around and around. I then counted out 30 more full turns. It does not seem to be leading, but I think it is stripped!!!

Of course it is up in that little 1" diameter hole, I can see nothing.

Would someone please explain in words what I am dealing with, how it "works", and venture an educated guess as to what is going on? Am I likely to need a new radiator? Any and all advice or thoughts would be *greatly* appreciated.

Also, what do I need to do to gain access to the area? I have seen other posts talking about replacing the petcock and getting at the lower hose. What do I need to take off to get at them, and how do they come off? A few words would be invaluable.

Thank you.

--Ray

[regent]

Ray,
Welcome to the forums!

The threads on the rad petcock itself got most probably stripped - a part rather inexpensive and easy to replace - just do not force it, you should only hand tighten (or torque to 2.5Nm). Just hold a 13mm deep socket up through the 1" hole with 3 fingers only. There is an o-ring that does the seal so no force is required. The plastic gets brittle with time, and it is best to drain by disconnecting the lower rad hose rather than by opening the petcock.

You can source the part from the nearby stealership or from here:
http://www.fcpeuro.com/products/volvo-r ... ck-3547226

When you are ready to replace it, do not open the expansion tank cap; be prepared to work with both hands and you won't have to add coolant, as on a cold engine there will be some vacuum in the cooling system that will prevent it from draining for a few seconds. If you still want to take your time and drain - you can use a clean drain vessel and when you're done, pour the coolant back in through a coffee filter to catch any particulants.

[rnsc]

Thank you for the good insight and guidance. I hope you are right, as opposed to the radiator being stripped. I ordered a couple of petcocks. We'll see in a week or so.