coolant drain bolt

[Mr. Baseball]

I had to replace water pump and thermostat on my '98 Ram 5.2. I saw video showing coolant drain bolt on an '01 that is under water pump on passenger side. When I removed it nothing drained but when I removed water pump bolts coolant poured out.

I hope someone can help. Is it the drain and mine is clogged or is '98 different from '01. Looked exactly the same as '01.

I really appreciate any help and knowledge about this. Thank you.

 

[Mr. Baseball]

I needed to replace water pump and thermostat on my '98 Ram 5.2. I watched a how to video on an '01 and there is a coolant drain plug under the water pump. It looks exactly like mine. Also I couldn't remove either of the engine block drain plugs.

When I removed the drain bolt under the water pump it was dry, actually blackened on end. When I removed water pump bolts coolant poured out.

Before I install the new water pump and thermostat I am hoping someone can give me some advice. I don't know if '98 differs from '01. I also don't know if something is clogged. I'm not even positive it is a drain plug.

I appreciate any help and suggestions before reassembly. Thank you.

Edit: I also want to back flush heater core but am not sure which heater hose to work from. I think driver side heater hose to water pump is the return and the passenger side hose is supply but not sure. Thanks again.

 

[Mr. Baseball]

Never mind. Wasn't water jacket bolt. I also completed everything I set out out to do and truck running great. However, I don't know purpose of bolt in timing cover, perhaps check plug, it's not attaching bolt. V8 has timing chain tensioner but it's not related. Curious if anyone knows. Thanks.

 

[Mr. Baseball]

Never mind, wasn't water jacket bolt. Perhaps a check plug in timing cover, not attaching bolt. Nevertheless I successfully replaced water pump, thermostat, water outlet, and replaced hoses and clamps. I backwashed heater too and got block drain plugs out. Good to go now. Truck running great.