Expert: Sean Halliday - 11/26/2006

Question
Would like to drain the radiator and replace new coolant. On bottom of radiator appears to be the drain plug.  It is black plastic and protrudes from the bottom of the radiator.  This pertruding black plastic has a white plastic insert in the end of it that is cut at an angle.  It would appear that one would use a screw driver and twist the white part of the plug end.  Also tried using pliers.  Is there a trick to this and what is the appropriate procedure?

Answer
No trick really but you might snap it off.In this case you will need to remove the plug and fit a new one.I wouldnt try to remove it if its tight .I would remove a lower hose instead.Sometimes its better to take it to a shop as it ends up trouble if youre not experienced with this type of maintenance.Flushing the coolant is ok but by draining the radiator only,you will still have coolant in the engine block.The best way is to drain the complete system,i.e,a shop..