radiator drain plug

[pp270]

I have a 2000 Alero GLS. I am having problems trying to get the white plastic drain plug to open. It rotates a quater turn as expected to open, but no coolent drains out. Do you know what the problem is? I removed the reservoir cap in case there was pressure issues. Also in the process of rotating the white plug back and forth I rounded it out making it difficult to turn. Is this easy to replace? If so how is this done? Do I simply pull it out?

Please advise.

Regards,
PP270

[BNaylor]

You have blockage. The drain hole is located at the bottom of the radiator below the drain plug. The drain plug is easy to remove. Just turn couterclockwise the 1/8 to 1/4 turn then get a pair of needlenose pliers, angled type behind the ridge part and then pull out towards you. What keeps it secure is an o-ring seal. I keep a spare drain plug just in case.

BTW - To prevent damage in the future just use the end of a 1/4" drive handle from a socket set and insert. It fits just right.

[pp270]

What creates the blockage? Can I simply shove a screwdriver through the valve opening to clear it? Also I noticed the black plastic housing aroun the white drain plug is cracked from a previous service? I woner if I pull this plug out if the rest of the housing will brake?

Regards,
PP270

[BNaylor]

Hard to say. Possibly Dexcool sludge in which case you would need to flush the radiator and/or cooling system. You could drain coolant by removing the upper radiator hose where it connects to the bottom of the radiator. The screwdriver up the drain hole won't work. The housing being damaged could pose a problem if the drain plug doesn't lock down. It has the grooves the pin on the drain plug indexes to lock down. So it may leak. Here is a pic of the drain plug removed.



I don't believe AZ will have that part. It will be GM dealer only. In a worse case you may have to replace the radiator.

[pp270]

Where can I purchase a drain plug? Autozone?

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by pp270

Where can I purchase a drain plug? Autozone?

You can check with Autozone but I'm quite sure it is dealer only. Or maybe you can get one off a radiator at a salvage yard. Alero, Grand Am and Malibu are all the same.

[snakecan2]

autozone can order it for you. for like 8.99 part number motormite 61133. or order online.. if you stick anything in or up the radiator drain, use a philips but be carefull, you do not want to score or crack the opening..