snapped off radiator drain plug

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jun 10, 2009 | 06:10 PM

billj6

Thread Starter

Senior User

Joined: May 2004

Posts: 164

Likes: 0

From: Cheswick, Pa.

snapped off radiator drain plug

'99 Ranger, 3.0 ltr., 107,000 mi.
Tried to drain radiator and the plastic plug snapped right off. No leakage since it never opened but I won't try to fix it.. Guess I'll have to disconnect the lower hose to drain the radiator now. That 10 year old piece of hose has never been off so I think it best to buy a new section and two hose clamps so I don't start a leak and lose the new gallon of anti freeze and then have to replace it anyway. Anyone had this happen on an old truck?

Jun 10, 2009 | 06:36 PM

Rockledge

Post Fiend

Joined: Jan 2003

Posts: 9,748

Likes: 16

From: Connecticut

You can find replacement drain plugs at many auto parts stores.

Jun 10, 2009 | 06:40 PM

1949f1

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Oct 2004

Posts: 1,725

Likes: 511

From: clinton,tn

my 86 snapped like that. i took it out and used a pair of needle nose pliers and got the rest out. like rock said, advance auto had mine.

Jun 10, 2009 | 06:51 PM

billj6

Thread Starter

Senior User

Joined: May 2004

Posts: 164

Likes: 0

From: Cheswick, Pa.

On my '99 the plug is locked in. It never came all the way out. It just loosened enough to allow the coolant to flow out. I think it was Ford's way to make sure you didn't lose the plug.

Jun 10, 2009 | 07:25 PM

g_k50

Cargo Master

Joined: May 2004

Posts: 3,007

Likes: 5

Old style drain *****, really old, like 60's old, would screw-in to drain. So the draincock would be turned clockwise on these old style.

Now they unscrew like they should, counter-clockwise.

Jun 10, 2009 | 08:38 PM

billj6

Thread Starter

Senior User

Joined: May 2004

Posts: 164

Likes: 0

From: Cheswick, Pa.

drain plug

Can you get some radiator hose and trim it with scissors to replace the lower hose or do you have to buy the exact piece by part number?

Jun 10, 2009 | 08:43 PM

katoranger

Senior User

Joined: Mar 2001

Posts: 205

Likes: 0

From: Altamont, KS

I don't think the replacement hose is all that expensive. Would be much easier to buy the one that has the correct bends and install it.

Allen

Jun 11, 2009 | 10:05 AM

Bear River

Former ******

Joined: Nov 2004

Posts: 4,901

Likes: 2

From: Salt Lake City, Utah

Besides, many lower radiator hoses need internal reinforcement since they are the suction side. Otherwise the hose can collapse and you get no coolant flow. A direct fit hose will have the reinforcement, or at least it should

Oct 27, 2011 | 06:28 AM

#10

kullamon

New User

Joined: Oct 2011

Posts: 2

Likes: 0

Quote:

Originally Posted by billj6

On my '99 the plug is locked in. It never came all the way out. It just loosened enough to allow the coolant to flow out. I think it was Ford's way to make sure you didn't lose the plug.

Anybody know if true for a 2000 ranger?