that sucks. For next time, just pull the lower radiator hose.
Radiator Problem Please HELP!!!
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Pro
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 583
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From: Maple Grove Minnesota
Radiator Problem Please HELP!!!
Does anybody have a remedy for this? I had to drain some fluid out of the radiator to add fresh Anti-Freeze and now the drain plug will not seat enough to hold the fluid back (Threads must be stripped in the radiator the plug threads look fine). I tried putting plumbing pipe tape on the threads but it didn’t work.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 583
Likes: 0
From: Maple Grove Minnesota
All I did was unscrew the plug, the rubber washer is still attached to the plug. It appears the threads in the radiator may be stripped or the plug itself, darn plastic parts.
I went to the local Autozone and bought a new plug but I’m not sure it will work. The one I removed has threads that screw into the radiator and the new one it appears you push it in and turn it to lock in place. I wouldn’t have bought it but I know the hole in the radiator is elongated as is the new plug is so I’ll give it a shot tomorrow, hopefully it will work.
I went to the local Autozone and bought a new plug but I’m not sure it will work. The one I removed has threads that screw into the radiator and the new one it appears you push it in and turn it to lock in place. I wouldn’t have bought it but I know the hole in the radiator is elongated as is the new plug is so I’ll give it a shot tomorrow, hopefully it will work.
Last edited by My1st; Dec 5, 2009 at 06:15 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,759
Likes: 8
All I did was unscrew the plug, the rubber washer is still attached to the plug. It appears the threads in the radiator may be stripped or the plug itself, darn plastic parts.
I went to the local Autozone and bought a new plug but I’m not sure it will work. The one I removed has threads that screw into the radiator and the new one it appears you push it in and turn it to lock in place. I wouldn’t have bought it but I know the hole in the radiator is elongated as is the new plug is so I’ll give it a shot tomorrow, hopefully it will work.
I went to the local Autozone and bought a new plug but I’m not sure it will work. The one I removed has threads that screw into the radiator and the new one it appears you push it in and turn it to lock in place. I wouldn’t have bought it but I know the hole in the radiator is elongated as is the new plug is so I’ll give it a shot tomorrow, hopefully it will work.
But anyways, when you do loosen that screw to drain coolant, you don't need to pull it all the way out.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
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From: Irvine Ca
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 583
Likes: 0
From: Maple Grove Minnesota
Well I finally got it fixed. 
As I suspected the threads on the plastic insert in the radiator were stripped. Had to pull the radiator to get access to it outside in 20 degree weather. Boy that was fun! Got a little scarred though, I think the threads may have stripped for the lower transmission cooling line. The flange on the tubing didn’t want to turn very easily to get it started in the hole and once in it felt like it stripped. Thank god it didn’t leak after warm up and in and out of gear several times. 
As I suspected the threads on the plastic insert in the radiator were stripped. Had to pull the radiator to get access to it outside in 20 degree weather. Boy that was fun! Got a little scarred though, I think the threads may have stripped for the lower transmission cooling line. The flange on the tubing didn’t want to turn very easily to get it started in the hole and once in it felt like it stripped. Thank god it didn’t leak after warm up and in and out of gear several times.
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