Broke plastic radiator drain plug-can I leave stub in?
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Broke plastic radiator drain plug-can I leave stub in?
OK, you guys, I followed the concensus here and put in a MOTORCRAFT thermostat (even though it almost killed poor little chea... oops, I mean frugal me to spend three times as much for it!). 
But I overtightened the plastic drain plug. It's white plastic and looks like a large nut. I used an allen wrench to tighten it. The large white nut-looking thing broke off, but there is still the plug in the drain pipe and there is enough allen wrench receptacle in it to tighten. It's seems tight enough right now.
Do I have to leave the truck sitting while I wait for the GF to come home and use her car to get a new plug?
Or, since, it's not leaking at all, can I just leave it as is and have a new plug ready for the next service?
What say you?
matis
But I overtightened the plastic drain plug. It's white plastic and looks like a large nut. I used an allen wrench to tighten it. The large white nut-looking thing broke off, but there is still the plug in the drain pipe and there is enough allen wrench receptacle in it to tighten. It's seems tight enough right now.
Do I have to leave the truck sitting while I wait for the GF to come home and use her car to get a new plug?
Or, since, it's not leaking at all, can I just leave it as is and have a new plug ready for the next service?
What say you?
matis
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,748
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From: Connecticut
They sell those plugs seperately at a lot of auto parts stores. Myself, I'd drive the Ranger over to get a new one while keeping a close eye on the temp gauge. Just be careful, if there is even the slightest hint of overheating, shut down immediatly.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6,940
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From: Eastern WA
Most of those nowdays are a wingnut head; when tight the head seats against the tank, seals with probably an o-ring, and the contact pressure keeps it from comming loose. So on that note, your best bet is to replace it rather than compromise reliability. The part you need is very cheap to buy.
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OK, OK, I bought a replacement drain plug (radiator).
Geez, every time I ask you guys something, it costs me money.
Just kidding, for $4.48 I didn't want to chance it.
Although a friend with a 1999 Ranger 3.0 broke off his plug the same way and he just left the stub in (15,000 mi now).
Thanks for the help.
matis
Geez, every time I ask you guys something, it costs me money.
Just kidding, for $4.48 I didn't want to chance it.
Although a friend with a 1999 Ranger 3.0 broke off his plug the same way and he just left the stub in (15,000 mi now).
Thanks for the help.
matis
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