Radiator drain plug

[deathro]

Being the stupid one, i pulled out the drain plug on my 2000 alero instead of turing it. Gm wants about 600 to fix it. I talked to another rad shop that said it's $15 for some clip that might be gone inside and $150 for the plug, how do I fix this myself? Do I have to pull out the rad and how do I get to the clip

[xeroinfinity]

Welcome to AF !

You cant just put the plug back in the hole,
with some silicone and a twist?

Sounds a little expensive too.
The dealers $600 should buy you a new radiator.

Also the radiator needs to be removed from the bottom.

[BNaylor]

The cost for the radiator drain plug doesn't sound right. And the cost the GM dealer gave you for repairs is too high. You can get a GM or aftermarket radiator alot cheaper. Replacement of the radiator will require removal of portions of the front clip and any parts like the shroud that will be in the way.

[xeroinfinity]

it's pretty tricky getting it out with that ac condensor in the way, wear gloves

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by xeroinfinity

it's pretty tricky getting it out with that ac condensor in the way, wear gloves

It sure is JC. Proof is in the pudding. See pic below.

[BNaylor]

BTW - Here is the after work completed pic.

[xeroinfinity]

Damn Bob !
I have taken them out without removing the whole front clip,
thats alot of work just for a radiator :shakehed

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by xeroinfinity

Damn Bob !
I have taken them out without removing the whole front clip,
thats alot of work just for a radiator :shakehed

The work wasn't just for a radiator. We had a new paint job done on the bumper skin and some other work. New plastic pieces, etc. Getting it ready for the cruel Northeast weather (New York). Weather and rust proofing. Just though I'd share some pics. But based on the way the Alero front end is designed you're better off removing what you can. Actually makes the job easier.

BTW - Forgot to mention we got the brand new radiator (OEM GM/AC Delco) off of EBay. Winning bid was $78.00.

[xeroinfinity]

Originally Posted by bnaylor

The work wasn't just for a radiator. We had a new paint job done on the bumper skin and some other work. New plastic pieces, etc. Getting it ready for the cruel Northeast weather (New York). Weather and rust proofing. Just though I'd share some pics. But based on the way the Alero front end is designed you're better off removing what you can. Actually makes the job easier.

BTW - Forgot to mention we got the brand new radiator (OEM GM/AC Delco) off of EBay. Winning bid was $78.00.

Oh I see, having to replace and repaint those is easier when the front clip is removed.
I'm ambidextrous, so I dont have to much trouble with working in tight spaces . And I'm Always trying to find ways to make things easier and quicker .

That was a good price on that radiator

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by xeroinfinity

Oh I see, having to replace and repaint those is easier when the front clip is removed.
I'm ambidextrous, so I dont have to much trouble with working in tight spaces . And I'm Always trying to find ways to make things easier and quicker .

That was a good price on that radiator

Yeah JC but the story of why it was needed is sad. My son went to the Magic Wand car wash. He decided to spray the bugs and dirt off. In the process he broke one of the blades to one of the cooling fans, bent various radiator fins and the wand punctured one of the coolant lines in the radiator.

Of course, when he graduates from college he has to pay me back.

[xeroinfinity]

Originally Posted by bnaylor

Yeah JC but the story of why it was needed is sad. My son went to the Magic Wand car wash. He decided to spray the bugs and dirt off. In the process he broke one of the blades to one of the cooling fans, bent various radiator fins and the wand punctured one of the coolant lines in the radiator.

Of course, when he graduates from college he has to pay me back.

Ouch !

You did get that payback in writing, didnt you ?

[deathro]

Wow thanks guys for all the help. I ended up changing the plug, it wasn't to bad, only $90 at a rad place near my house. Apparently the reason is was leaking was the pin inside the plug was broken and there was nothing stopping it from it popping out. Funny story the very next day im driving, i turn left on a street and the service vehical soon, trac off, and abs light all came on at the same time. I've replaced the bearings on the front three times this year, apparently someone was telling me it could be the bearing doing this??? It is making a little noise... any suggestions?

[xeroinfinity]

Glad you got it fixed, tho sorry you had to pay out the butt to get it fixed.
That plug is only like $15 shop !

On the lights get it scanned and post a new thread, though those are the signs of of a hub failure.

Let me ask you this, when you did them the other times, did you use an impact to tighten any bolts?
That will fry them out quicker from the vibrations, not recomended at all.

Also Were they foreign (chinese) Hubs?
No offense to any chinese but thier hubs are crap!