Dreaded block coolant drain plug removal/replacement

tekenaar · 05-29-2008

According to my search here, there are numerous threads discussing the dreaded "in-block" coolant drain plug removal and subsequent replacement.

The plug is M14 x 1.5, metric pipe threaded and has a 3/8" square male head for removal . . . go figure!

Here's my recommendations for proper removal and suggested replacement of this plug:

First, go to Sears buy a Craftsman "3/8" 8-pt standard", 3/8" drive socket, PN 45792.

Second, go to any Auto Parts store and purchase a 1/4" MIP (NPT) brass drain cock from their "HELP!" parts.

Clean any gunk from around drain plug and warm up engine, then liberally spray PB Blaster around drain plug and let set until cool. When cool, use a "breaker bar", short extension and your new Sears socket to loosen that stubborn drain plug.

Put drain plug aside as a "back-up", you'll replace it after the block drains with your brass coolant drain petcock, which has the benefit of now draining your block with a mere "twist of the wrist!"

oldopelguy · 05-29-2008

Curse me not being a mod, when the perfect opportunity presents itself!

tekenaar · 05-29-2008

Originally Posted by oldopelguy

Curse me not being a mod, when the perfect opportunity presents itself!

You got me . . . spelling, that is . . . but I was also wrong about plug size, uh, thinking about the OP sender hole!

Aardvaark · 05-29-2008

Second, go to any Auto Parts store and purchase a 1/4" MIP (NPT) brass drain petcock from their "HELP!" parts.

Put drain plug aside as a "back-up", you'll replace it after the block drains with your brass coolant drain petcock, which has the benefit of now draining your block with a mere "twist of the wrist!"
-----------------------
Otto. Please refrain from using dirty words in your posts! This is suppose to be a family friendly site!

On a serious note. You are showing a "drain cock" not a "drain petcock". Two
different animals you know.

RallyBob · 05-30-2008

Originally Posted by tekenaar

The plug is 1/4" MIP (NPT) threaded and has a 3/8" square male head for removal . . .

In truth Otto, it's a metric plug, 14 mm pipe thread. BUT, it is SOOO close to 1/4" NPT they are virtually interchangeable. I've done it myself for many years.

Bob

tomking · 05-30-2008

So at least we now know that all of Ottos pets are males.

tekenaar · 05-30-2008

Originally Posted by RallyBob

In truth Otto, it's a metric plug, 14 mm pipe thread. BUT, it is SOOO close to 1/4" NPT they are virtually interchangeable. I've done it myself for many years.

Bob

Oddly, that's - M14 x 1.5, actually - what I'd said originally, but then I second-guessed myself because I'd given the "drain cock" replacement size as being 3/8" MIP, which I realized was wrong . . . comedy of errors, it turns out!

RallyBob · 05-30-2008

Originally Posted by tekenaar

but then I second-guessed myself because I'd given the "drain cock" replacement size as being 3/8" MIP,

Heh heh, you said 'drain'....

hrcollinsjr · 05-30-2008

Behave y'all! You're acting like a flock of cockerels.

Harold

05-29-2008	#1 (permalink)
tekenaar Cunning Linguist Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Plano, TX 75074 Posts: 4,441 Real Name: Otto	Dreaded block coolant drain plug removal/replacement According to my search here, there are numerous threads discussing the dreaded "in-block" coolant drain plug removal and subsequent replacement. The plug is M14 x 1.5, metric pipe threaded and has a 3/8" square male head for removal . . . go figure! Here's my recommendations for proper removal and suggested replacement of this plug: First, go to Sears buy a Craftsman "3/8" 8-pt standard", 3/8" drive socket, PN 45792. Second, go to any Auto Parts store and purchase a 1/4" MIP (NPT) brass drain cock from their "HELP!" parts. Clean any gunk from around drain plug and warm up engine, then liberally spray *PB Blaster* around drain plug and let set until cool. When cool, use a "breaker bar", short extension and your new Sears socket to loosen that stubborn drain plug. Put drain plug aside as a "back-up", you'll replace it after the block drains with your brass coolant drain petcock, which has the benefit of now draining your block with a mere "twist of the wrist!" __________________ 1960: ♥ '61 Rekord PII 1.7 3S 3.9 ♥ '69 Kadett LS 'sprint' 1.9 3A 3.18 1970: ♥ '70 GT 1.9 4S 3.44 ♥ '72 GT 2.2SSD 5S 3.44 ♥ '72 GT 2.4FI 5S 3.44P ♥ '73 GT 1.9FI 4S 3.44 ♥ '75 1900 1.9FI 4S 3.44 1980: ♥ '85 Bitter SC 3.9FI 5S 3.44P 2000: ♥ '09 Solstice GXP Coupe 2.0 SIDI VVT Turbo 5S 3.73P Last edited by tekenaar; 05-30-2008 at 10:21 AM. Reason: correct plug/hole sizing

05-29-2008	#2 (permalink)
oldopelguy Have Opel, Will Travel Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Saint Michael, MN Posts: 1,727 Logbook Entries: 3	matrch? Curse me not being a mod, when the perfect opportunity presents itself! __________________ 1958 Rekord Sedan, 1958 Olympia Wagon, 1959 Opel Olympia Sedan, 1967 Kadett Coupe, 1967 Admiral Sedan 4L CIH-6, 1968 Kadett fastback 1.1L, 1970 Kadett Wagon Turbo 2.2L, 1971 Kadett Sedan 1.1L, 1975 Manta Wagon 4.3L V-6

05-29-2008	#4 (permalink)
Aardvaark UFO pel abductee. Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Des Moines, Iowa Posts: 2,239 Real Name: Mark Paar (not Parr)	Second, go to any Auto Parts store and purchase a 1/4" MIP (NPT) brass drain petcock from their "HELP!" parts. Put drain plug aside as a "back-up", you'll replace it after the block drains with your brass coolant drain petcock, which has the benefit of now draining your block with a mere "twist of the wrist!" ----------------------- Otto. Please refrain from using dirty words in your posts! This is suppose to be a family friendly site! On a serious note. You are showing a "drain cock" not a "drain petcock". Two different animals you know. __________________ -Mark '75 Manta Direct link to my album of Opel related parts catalogs and magazine articles for reference: http://www.opelgt.com/photopost/show...ser/23031/sl/a Last edited by Aardvaark; 05-30-2008 at 12:41 AM.

05-30-2008	#6 (permalink)
tomking tomking Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: SW Missouri Posts: 1,287	So at least we now know that all of Ottos pets are males. __________________ TMK

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05-30-2008	#9 (permalink)
hrcollinsjr 2200 Post Club Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Chapel Hill, TN Posts: 2,266 Real Name: Harold Collins	Behave y'all! You're acting like a flock of cockerels. Harold

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