Radiator Drain Plug
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Richmond Virginia
Radiator Drain Plug
This isn't another question about where it is but how to get it out if you've stripped the 1/4" drive part. I turned it 90 degrees and couldn't get it to budget, so I returned it to the closed position. I tried it again later and then the 1/4" driver started spinning in the hole. Seriously, could they have made a more horribly designed drain plug out of the softest plastic. I think I like the older version that you can actually grab onto to turn. Guess I'll have to invest in a tab and die set to get this plug turned again.
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did you pull it out? should be able to yank it out with a pair of needle nose pliers...it isn't threaded it kinda just pops in there
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2007
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With needle nose pliars you should be able to pull it out. Most parts stores have a replacement that has the thumb hold. Here's what I replaced mine with when the 1/4" drive end would no longer work:
http://www.napaonline.com/Search/Det...+50012+2012030
http://www.napaonline.com/Search/Det...+50012+2012030
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Richmond Virginia
Problem is that it's stripped out in the closed position. When I went to turn it back to the open position the 1/4" driver just started rotating in the hole. I've tried grabbing it with some needle nose but it's hard to turn it with those. I'm definitely going to replace it with the other style.
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The needle nose pliers are for grasping it and pulling it straight out. It is NOT threaded.
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From: Palmdale, Ca----- 2009 Cyber Gray 4LT A6 F55 452 RWHP 422 RWTQ- RIP 1998 C5 734 RWHP & 585 RWTQ-----
Might be best to pull the radiator take it to the shop and have them repair it or upgrade it for you.
Then you have the oppurtunity to change out the fluid then
Thanks,Matt
Then you have the oppurtunity to change out the fluid then
Thanks,Matt
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Richmond Virginia
I wasn't using the needle nose pliers to continue trying to turn it. I was trying to turn it with the needle nose to get it into the open position because it's stripped out the second time I tried to open it with the 1/4" driver. I understand that it only turns 90 degrees. I purchased one of those screw extractor tools and will see if I can get it out with that. I've got a new drain plug that is the old style. Not sure why they went away from that design. Thanks for the advice guys.
Last edited by VCUFAN; Jul 11, 2010 at 09:44 AM.
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I hate crap like this...a huge pain in the *** for a little thing 
Good luck
Good luck
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From what I have seen, the type of problem most commonly expressed by people is due to treating the drain plug as if it were a conventional "old style" threaded fastener or plug. Many people tend to overthink this or use waay too much force.These drains are actually very effective and elegant in the simplicity of their design. Insert a 1/4" drive nutdriver handle or a 1/4" drive extension bar and turn gently (key) to the left for 1/4 turn and STOP. If it doesn't want to come out or only partially comes out, grabbing it with pair of needle nose pliers will pull it straight out. No drama.
It's just a different design and many people break/damage/destroy these things simply from lack of knowledge in most cases.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Booker Texas
From what I have seen, the type of problem most commonly expressed by people is due to treating the drain plug as if it were a conventional "old style" threaded fastener or plug. Many people tend to overthink this or use waay too much force.These drains are actually very effective and elegant in the simplicity of their design. Insert a 1/4" drive nutdriver handle or a 1/4" drive extension bar and turn gently (key) to the left for 1/4 turn and STOP. If it doesn't want to come out or only partially comes out, grabbing it with pair of needle nose pliers will pull it straight out. No drama.
It's just a different design and many people break/damage/destroy these things simply from lack of knowledge in most cases.
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I wasn't using the needle nose pliers to continue trying to turn it. I was trying to turn it with the needle nose to get it into the open position because it's stripped out the second time I tried to open it with the 1/4" driver. I understand that it only turns 90 degrees. I purchased one of those screw extractor tools and will see if I can get it out with that. I've got a new drain plug that is the old style. Not sure why they went away from that design. Thanks for the advice guys.
Are you even reading what is posted?
It is in by just an o ring and will just pull out, Very simple and pick a new one up at Napa for like 6.69. Very simple. Just grab it and wiggle it out.
New drain plug, the old style? There are no threads to thread a new one in, Please read what others have posted.
Last edited by Mr.Bill; Jul 11, 2010 at 10:32 AM.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Richmond Virginia
I was just needing some advice for a stripped out 1/4" socket hole. I got it out and realized there is also an allen hole deeper inside the 1/4" driver hole. I couldn't get it into the open position to be able to wiggle it out with the pliers. The old style is the one that NAPA, advance auto, etc sell and the new style is the PITA one that requires a 1/4" driver to open up.
Last edited by VCUFAN; Jul 11, 2010 at 11:45 AM.
