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Radiator drain cock


rstar
12-31-2004, 11:05 AM
This is a bit embarrarring, but I want to drain some fluid from the radiator before disconnecting the heater hoses, but my drain plug is stuck. I'm afraid to force it because it appears to be plastic and I don't want to crack it off. My truck is a 1997 S-10 4.3L w/AC. I am trying to turn it counterclockwise like a screw to loosen it. Is this the correct direction?
Any suggestions? Are these replacible if I bust it off?
Thanks for any help.

Fireplug
12-31-2004, 01:59 PM
Yes and yes
A trick I used in the shop was to get a 1/4 drive socket and cut a grove into the socket so it would fit onto the drain plug. then use a 1/4 inch ratchet with that socket to turn the stuck plug. It worked every time and I never broke any off

impulsive78
01-02-2005, 01:07 PM
Yah, that will work! Even though it is plastic, squirt some mouse milk up in there before you try to loosen it up. If you end up breaking it on the way out, just make sure you have enough to grab on to get it the rest of the way or you will create a whole other project. Drain cocks are cheap to replace.

vtmecheng
01-03-2005, 02:16 PM
I just take a small adjustable wrench and turn it with that, this way you have the full surface area of the drain plug wing. Also, try pulling on it a little while turning to help it move in the direction it wants to go.

dblthebass
01-13-2005, 08:49 AM
you can put anything on it as long as you are pushing on it from both tabs i've pushed on one with pliers only on one side and broke it lol

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