Coolant Plug tool?

[TheEdgeofSanity]

i want to change my coolant but i have this strange looking white plug. it isn't a standard or phillips head and i can't figure out how to get it out. i'm afraid of pulling a hose because i think the hoses are gettting brittle and that the radiator will crack. anyone have a how-to on changing the coolant?

[CactusWill]

What shape is the plug? Anywho, I pull rad hoses to drop coolant, and if you feel that the radiator is going to break when you pull a hose, that means its time for a new radiator if that happens. You shouldn't only be concerned about the condition of the coolant if you think the radiator might be junk too. Make sure you have enough money to buy a new one if need be, and pull the lower hose.

[rowdygls]

That plug should have a square hole. Try a socket extension and flat headed screwdriver. I know this is technically incorrect but it works. The socket extension should fit by itself unless the hole has been beat to hell. The flat headed screwdriver will go behind the lip of the plug because it doesn't screw out. Socket extentsion in, rotate a quarter to half a turn..or more...with the screwdriver behind the lip applying slight pressure towards the front. You should feel a slight pop...that is the seal, and is normal. Now pry the plug towards you...slowly. Reassembling is even easier. Socket extentsion in, turn with pressure applied. Once you hear the pop again, you're done and it is sealed back up.

[squatch81]

it has a hex head on the inside, you need an odd sized allen wrench, I belive it was 4.5 mm? There is a square section and then further inside is hex. If you don't have the right size, pliers will do the trick, 90 degrees CCW, and it will pull straight out.

[jackal2000]

and dont pull too hard or you will pull it completely out of the radiator like i did one time and get coolant everywhere.

[squatch81]

But it drains faster that way!

[Ryan from Ohio]

IMHO just rip that stupid thing out and get a replacement at the parts store with the regular wing sticking off it...