Radiator Drain Plug Leaks-Help

[MTaishoff]

Went to do the 5 year year coolant flush change; opened drain valve and drained (very slowly) 1st time; filled with demineralized water for flush... now drain plug drips/leaks when closed. Search showed several threads... says drain plug can be removed and O-rings/gasket can be checked/replaced by pulling on it. Tried this; when plug is open (tab is vertical); but does not want to come out... afraid I'll break the tab off or something else and then have to replace the Radiator.



Also found two links to this subject on old posts and when I click on either link...comes up bad URL?





Any advice/help on how to remove/replace/repair the Radiator Drain plug would be appreciated. Also, how do I access those old Links?



Thanks,



Mark

 

[JJPage]

Because of this issue, most folks loosen the bottom radiator hose rather than upset that cheesy drain plug. I kept working mine open and shut while pushing inward, trying to get it to stop leaking, it finally snapped/popped into place and I haven't touched it since.



There is a way to get to the old post's, since the new site platform was introduced there is another step to go through, I just do not remember what. Maybe a moderator will pick this up.

 

[Bob4x4]

You can buy a replacement plug,those plugs are a major headache. LikeJJ said best not to touch except as a last resort. There are some nice Vaccumn coolant flush machines out there so you can suck out the new and pump in fresh without ever inducing any air

 

[MTaishoff]

What a lousy system.



Plastic Drain Cock finally popped out when I pried it gently with a screwdriver... don't think I damaged anything. O-Ring was busted. NAPA shows a 605-1372 that looks like a match. Dorman shows a 61134 that also looks like a match. Try to run one down in the AM... or to Lithia if I can't find one. Will Grease up the new one with silicon grease before I try to screw it back in.



Draining via the lower hose: It does not look that easy to get to... and it is relatively high on the side of the radiator; so looks like it would leave more coolant in there...



Thanks,



Mark

 

[Bob4x4]

What a lousy system.

Plastic Drain Cock finally popped out when I pried it gently with a screwdriver... don't think I damaged anything. O-Ring was busted. NAPA shows a 605-1372 that looks like a match. Dorman shows a 61134 that also looks like a match. Try to run one down in the AM... or to Lithia if I can't find one. Will Grease up the new one with silicon grease before I try to screw it back in.

Draining via the lower hose: It does not look that easy to get to... and it is relatively high on the side of the radiator; so looks like it would leave more coolant in there...

Thanks,

Mark

Bet you did not get much more out by pulling that plug. The machine is the way to get it done. I was able to get about 5 out of 6 gallons out and back in with no fuss.