DWray

This blew up yesterday. Coolant went everywhere. It got dark shortly after, so I didn't even bother searching very hard as to where it went.

What is it? Where does it go? Can I buy this piece at AutoZone?

9000th01ss

iTrader: (10)

Looks like an aftermarket radiator drain cap, or optional fitting plug.

DWray

The petcock was still intact as was the radiator cap. I honestly have no idea what this thing is. What is a fitting plug?

9000th01ss

iTrader: (10)

Some aftermarket radiators are more universal and have provisions for optional fittings, if your application doesn't use that fitting a plug like the one you have pictured is put in the hole.
I don't remember seeing anything like that on a factory radiator.
Did this come off a factory radiator? What vehicle?

camar0corey

iTrader: (22)

Hmm factory radiators can have the caps also, for instance you can't get the 6 speed radiator anymore it seems from the dealership for LT1s, so you get the auto one with blue caps installed in the trans cooler parts.

DWray

I have never replaced the radiator, but I don't know if the previous owners ever did. I have no idea if it's factory or not.

It's a '99 Trans Am. So, assuming it is a fitting plug, would it be possible that the plug itself just wore out and I could get another one to put in it and be as good as new?

9000th01ss

iTrader: (10)

You need to see if you can get the threaded piece of that out of the radiator first, then take both pieces of it around to find a replacement.
It looks like it might be the plug for a coolant level sensor.
Some cars had the sensor, some had a plug.

SOMbitch

iTrader: (8)

Ditto.
Put a new Howe Racing Enterprises radiator in my car Last Saturday night and had a really tight fit to get mine back in. It came from under rad cap side under crossover line that runs to heads right?

DWray

It was a fitting cap for the radiator. I couldn't find another one so I had to take the entire radiator in.