Block Coolant Drain Plug Removal

[Moparfiend]

Any tips/tricks on how to remove my block drain plugs prior to removing the motor? I don’t want to break them off.

I suppose I can leave them in there and have the shop remove them at their leisure?

Thanks,
Ron

 

[RemCharger]

It won't break, but could strip the head. Use the tightest fitting 6pt socket and a breaker bar.

 

[493 Mike]

I would be very surprised if you could twist one off! They should come out-with superhuman strength or even wimpy strength.
Mike

 

[toolmanmike]

Any tips/tricks on how to remove my block drain plugs prior to removing the motor? I don’t want to break them off.

I suppose I can leave them in there and have the shop remove them at their leisure?

Thanks,
Ron

View attachment 1977093

Let them pull them. They may heat the area around them with a torch first.

 

[sam dupont]

heat, and tighten to loosen. English car owners know, tighten the fastener before loosening. If it tightens a little bit, SCORE! Even if no movement is felt, it still helps

 

[R413]

Many folks put these in Tighter than lug nuts. They are pipe threads, they don't need to be so tight.

Six point socket, 1/2" drive and a breaker bar. Yes tighten first, then loosen.

 

[toolmanmike]

Tapping the head of the plug with a small hammer can loosen the threads and make it break loose easier.

 

[Moparfiend]

Tapping the head with a small hammer can loosen the threads and make break loose easier.

Thanks Mike! Any idea how much water is left when everything else is drained like lower radiator and water pump with the drain plugs still in? I guess I’m asking how much does a water jacket hold roughly?

 

[dvw]

A friend of mine that's a machinist taught me. Heat the plug itself then quench it with water. Smack the tool in the hole and it will come right out.
Doug

 

[Mackman]

A friend of mine that's a machinist taught me. Heat the plug itself then quench it with water. Smack the tool in the hole and it will come right out.
Doug

That’s exactly how I remove them, hasn’t failed yet.

 

[Bird 426]

Yes, there is more water in there. Above techniques work, and when you reassemble it, with some kind of sealer, they do not need to be over tightened. I usually install brass radiator drains instead of plugs.

 

[Moparfiend]

I can’t wait! I love being under the car on my back with a torch!

 

[Richard Cranium]

Tapping the head with a small hammer

Would that be the big head or the little head?

 

[RemCharger]

Would that be the big head or the little head?

The Rick Head!

 

[toolmanmike]

Would that be the big head or the little head?

The big head not the ball.

 

[Moparfiend]

The big head not the ball.

I think women talk about this all the time with their friends. We just never hear about it.

 

[69Bee]

Leave the plugs in and let the shop worry about them. Just knock a freeze plug sideways on both sides to drain the coolant and you will be fine.

 

[Moparfiend]

Leave the plugs in and let the shop worry about them. Just knock a freeze plug sideways on both sides to drain the coolant and you will be fine.

Thank you!