Radiator Drain Plug Removal

[CrackyWainwright]

I soon want to do a coolant drain/refill on our KIA Sportage. In past vehicles I have had trouble removing drain plugs (I know . . . it has the dubious name of PETCOCK) without breaking or damaging them.

For most of you who work on cars this is a terribly amateur question, but are there any tricks to removal without breaking or damaging the plug? How much force can I really put on a plastic plug?

 

[Chris142]

Do not remove it! Pull the hose. If it breaks or leaks you may not be able to find a replacement without buying a whole new radiator.we have buckets of used ones at work for those people that try to use them.

 

[buck91]

I've opened many petcocks. Its always a little scary just as a "what if..." But so far I've never had an issue. I usually use a medium or smaller length wrench/socket if its a hex head. And just apply light force, maybe a little wiggling clockwise-counterclockwise to help it loosen. Really shouldn't be a rust problem or anything, just the o-ring sticking.

 

[Kawiguy454]

when dealing with this type threaded component needing a wrench. Remember that you want it to ROTATE out ...when you push hard on a wrench you are placing a torsional side load the direction you are pushing which can damage it. If there's room the very best way would be to use 2 wrenches 180 degrees apart. push on one and pull on the other ...this balances the load so only rotational pressure is applied. If 2 wrenches cant be used I always take my free hand and grab the wrench in a way to rotate vs just push the wrench.

...or just pull off the hose and skip it.

 

[Kira]

Some are easier than others.

Whenever I get one out I give it a light coating of silicone grease.

You might want to skip this step because the draining coolant is a little slippery but don't.

As stated above, it's about sticking years from now.

 

[CT8]

Originally Posted By: Chris142
Do not remove it! Pull the hose. If it breaks or leaks you may not be able to find a replacement without buying a whole new radiator.we have buckets of used ones at work for those people that try to use them.
Advice from a pro !!

 

[BigD1]

Never had one break yet. If it does not open up with a little bit of pressure, then I just remove the hose. If I ever do break a radiator petcock, I think I will give this a try.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGUdG3Zm_Ws

 

[sprite1741]

I always pull the hose. Had too many problems with those in the past since they started using plastic. I never touch one now.

 

[Merkava_4]

My Buick has a plastic radiator drain plug and I just unscrew it by using a 3/4'' deep socket and a 3/8'' drive spin handle. When threading it back in, I first apply some silicone grease to the plastic threads and o-ring.

 

[HerrStig]

A shot of Kroil soesn't hurt.

 

[CrackyWainwright]

Originally Posted By: Chris142
Do not remove it! Pull the hose. If it breaks or leaks you may not be able to find a replacement without buying a whole new radiator.we have buckets of used ones at work for those people that try to use them.


Oh bleep. I was hoping that wasn't the answer because I can't get to hose that goes into the bottom of the radiator without taking off all kinds of shields and guards that are in the way from the bottom. I'm ashamed to say this may be a job I have let the dealership service department do.

If I could manage to get to the bottom hose and remove it, all the coolant that's in the hose leading up to the thermostat will drain out. When I refill, does that hose running uphill naturally refill also or will there be air trapped in the system?

 

[JHZR2]

Originally Posted By: Kira
Some are easier than others.

Whenever I get one out I give it a light coating of silicone grease.

You might want to skip this step because the draining coolant is a little slippery but don't.

As stated above, it's about sticking years from now.


I agree with the silicone coating. Not a fan of hose removal because it can break a plastic radiator neck, and puts more stress on the hose end.

Just go slow and gentle. Easy, constant and balanced pressure.

 

[sprite1741]

You can take the bottom hose off the engine side. Then just push it down to drain the radiator.

 

[Merkava_4]

Originally Posted By: CrackyWainwright
Oh bleep. I was hoping that wasn't the answer because I can't get to hose that goes into the bottom of the radiator without taking off all kinds of shields and guards that are in the way from the bottom.


The shields and guards are the easy part; wait until you get to the constant tension hose clamp. . .

If you got a drain plug use it; otherwise you'll be shopping for hose clamp pliers and they're pricey.

 

[Vikas]

since it is plastic and rubber, it will NOT be corroded. of course depending upon the quality of the plastic, it would have gone through millions of heat and cool cycles and if it has become brittle then just touching it will crumble it.

assuming that is not the case, you do not want to apply any lateral force to the petcock. it will give up and turn.