coolant drains in block
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Joined: Feb 2015
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coolant drains in block
Has anyone ever had trouble breaking loose the coolant drains in the block? I am going to do a flush with new hoses and a new radiator install. Just wanted some input so I don't get any surprises trying to get them out. Any tips or tricks? Would having a warm not hot engine help any?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,943
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I did not have any trouble with mine. I have read that having a warm engine can help.
Many recommend you install drain ***** in place of the plugs so you don't have to take a coolant shower the next time you do it.
Many recommend you install drain ***** in place of the plugs so you don't have to take a coolant shower the next time you do it.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,101
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From: Poway, CA
IIRC, they're brass, so you need to take a bit of caution. Use a 6-pt socket if you can to avoid stripping. They're also a bit of a hassle to get at, but nothing a good u-joint and some extensions can't handle.
Mike
Mike
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 8,476
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From: Madison, WI
One or both may have a 1/4" square hole drive rather than a hex head. Passenger side is harder to reach; you MIGHT opt to remove the starter.
If they're hex head, a six-point socket will avoid ROUNDING the heads. To avoid stripping the THREADS, use a liquid or paste thread sealant (DON'T use thread tape).
If they're hex head, a six-point socket will avoid ROUNDING the heads. To avoid stripping the THREADS, use a liquid or paste thread sealant (DON'T use thread tape).
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2014
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On the 7.3 Powerstroke, they're square. We had to take the starter off to get the passengers side. It was also was stripped a bit, so we "pointed" the end of the tool used to get it out (can't think of the name right now) so it tapered down a bit, then tapped it into the drain so it lodged itself in there to avoid stripping it a bit more. We just put a new one on after that.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,101
Likes: 2
From: Poway, CA
One or both may have a 1/4" square hole drive rather than a hex head. Passenger side is harder to reach; you MIGHT opt to remove the starter.
If they're hex head, a six-point socket will avoid ROUNDING the heads. To avoid stripping the THREADS, use a liquid or paste thread sealant (DON'T use thread tape).
If they're hex head, a six-point socket will avoid ROUNDING the heads. To avoid stripping the THREADS, use a liquid or paste thread sealant (DON'T use thread tape).
I was able to remove both of mine without taking out the starter or anything else. I do recall the starter got one heck of a bath, though.
Mike
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