I was flushing the coolant in my 96 SE and as I was screwing the radiator drain plug back into place, the head of the screw broke off! The threaded part is still in the radiator. What do I do. I'm sure I can get a new drain plug from like Autozone, but how would I get the threaded part out?...Will it fall out eventually as Im driving....I hope not! Someone please help..

 

use something sharp and penetrate the old drain plug and twist in the direction that would unscrew it.

prefereably use something with a hood to it. that should get it out pretty easily.

 

Do I have to take out the radiator? And, what would be something with a "hood"?

 

sorry I meant with a hook to it.

something with a hook like a paper clip but with more strength, and hook it in, and twist, hopefully it should pull it off.

you shuoldnt need to take out the radiator, I'm sure you have that plastic piece thats surrounding the drain plug off, if not take it off it should make it easier to try and get that old drain plug out.

 

Thanks MDeezy....I hope I could at least drive with it in for tonight. I won't have time to do it until tomorrow.

 

no prob, if its in their good then you shouldnt worry.

I guess worst case senario is the bolt might shoot out while driving (if its not in their properly) and your just drain out all your fluids while driving. So if you see you car starting to run hot that might have happened, or its leaking.

 

drill it out?

 

No ****. This is one of those questions where a 10 year old would know the answer.

 

get an easy-out from somewhere, it should come out no problem with one of those

 

whats an "easy out"??

 

drill it ou, be carefull not to drill the threads though, drill a hole right in the center, then try to un screw it using needle nose pliers or something of the sort.

 

An "easy-out" may work just fine for this, although I've never used one on a radiator. If you do use one don't be rough with it, and don't hammer it in too far. (I'm still referring to the radiator here....)

If you have a sharp-pointed punch I would just use this and the suggestion to tap it in the direction to unscrew it. Techniques like this have saved my *** so many times.....