How To Remove Block Drain Plugs

[pmcgrath]

As the topic suggests. what do you use to remove these?

Thanks,
Paul.

 

[Weazel]

Paul,

I take it you've located them and everything? All I used was a small adjustable wrench, thankfully they weren't frozen on or anything. Watch out when you remove them, as the coolant will come out pretty fast. I would suggest getting one of those wide, low drain pans, so you can cover all the ground that the coolant is gonna leak onto. At first it'll come out fast and splash up against the tie rods, etc and make a mess if you're not ready for it (as I wasn't). I only drained from the driver's side, as the pass. side plug is a PAIN to get to. I'd suggest maybe installing petcocks when you're ready to fill the coolant back up, it'll make it much easier next time around. Good luck!

 

[turbojimmy]

Both mine rounded off with a wrench (the right size wrench is 8mm, I think). I had to use vise grips. My engine was out of the car, so it was easy to get at them. Not sure if you can swing vise grips with the engine in place.

Jim

 

[jooset]

Block drain plugs - no chance

I tried to drain the block today using these buggers. I've only tried the driver side - since that is the easy one to get to. No way it's coming loose I tried crescent wrenches, socket wrenches, vice grips, everything in my toolbox. All I did was change the size of the square tip Who designed these things - with the brass fitting - there's a good idea. I'm going to drain at the radiator, then replace with distilled water and rmi and drive for a couple of days, then repeat. Hope that will be good enough.

Comments welcome.
Matt

 

[John Larkin]

I had the same trouble two weeks ago. Here was the temporary solution: Use vicegrips to break the driver side loose. You really have to clamp down on it but it will come. The passenger side would only be accessible with a square female socket from like S&K Tools (I found some online, $6!, ouch). Sears may also have some. Using the vicegrips to break the sealant is the way to go; you can turn it the rest of the way out with the 8mm wrench. You can also reinstall with the 8mm wrench (don't forget to use thread sealant).

And Weazel is right, it will shoot straight out into the suspension. Rig up something for it to hit and come down into the pan, like half a 2-liter Coke bottle; you'll be glad you did.

 

[Chuck Leeper]

PLUGZ??

If you can get to the plugs, take a propane or map gas torch to heat the plug. When you get it HOT, touch it w/ a candle.. The wax will melt and will wick into the threads, making the visegrip deal work mucho easier!!
BTDT!!!

 

[Fred 86 GN]

Use a tap wrench on them!

I bought a 1/4" to 1/2" range tap wrench from Sears to remove the plugs. They are made to grip taps, which have square drive ends. So the tap wrench will grab the drain plug quite well and has a sliding t-handle so with a small pipe or the box-end of a combination wrench, you can put some serious torque into the drain plug. Works great!

HTH

 

[jooset]

thanks all

I'll be off to Sears sometime during the week to pick up some tools - ooogghhh ooooogggghhh. Hopefully next weekend will be more productive. My Nittos should be here this week for my new GNX wheels too

matt