Radiator drain - what tool?

frysl · Feb 16, 2020

Hello all,I need to drain and flush my radiator, but cannot figure out what to use to remove the drain plug. It’s a plastic plug that looks like it takes an extremely wide and nearly flat Phillips.
I’m afraid that if I use a large flat tip screw driver I’ll crack the plug.
Steve

Jim L. · Feb 16, 2020

A good sized coin will fit the bill. Clamp the coin with a vise-grip if needed. Flat screwdrivers will booger up the plug.

wgator · Feb 16, 2020

Read post #7 of OF THIS THREAD. It tells you the tool is #3 JIS, which I believe you can get as a screwdriver type or bit by searching the net. I believe JIS stands for Japanese Industrial Standard.

SidecarFlip · Feb 16, 2020

Whatever you use, be apprised that the plug is somewhat fragile.

frysl · Feb 16, 2020

SidecarFlip said:
Whatever you use, be apprised that the plug is somewhat fragile.

Yes. I’m wondering if it wouldn’t be safer removing the lower hose.
Steve

SidecarFlip · Feb 16, 2020

frysl said:
Yes. I’m wondering if it wouldn’t be safer removing the lower hose.
Steve

Honestly, that is excatly what I do, I remove the lower hose clamp and wiggle off the hose and drain it that way. Much safer and less hassle.

frysl · Feb 16, 2020

Jim L. said:
A good sized coin will fit the bill. Clamp the coin with a vise-grip if needed. Flat screwdrivers will booger up the plug.

Yep, that was why i stopped when I did.
Steve

bird dogger · Feb 16, 2020

When I installed a heater in my home made tractor cab I fabricated this tool for removing that lower radiator plug:

I found a piece of scrap flat steel whose thickness fit the slot on the plug snugly. Cut the steel scrap to size and fit it into a slotted handle of your choice. Or just squeeze it in a pair of vise grips or crescent wrench. Works slick as can be. I thought I better label it so it doesn't get thrown out after years of rolling around in the screwdriver drawer after I forget what its for.

Regards,
David

dlundblad · Feb 17, 2020

I looked at mine for the first time yesterday and the center looks Pretty foobarred. Anybody know if they are dealer or factory installed?

I would plan on having a spare handy because ive heard theyre tight too.

200mph · Feb 17, 2020

Would a drag link socket work?

Example of what they look like:
https://www.amazon.com/Stanley-Proto-J5244-8-Inch-16-Inch/dp/B002GK9H4W

GreensvilleJay · Feb 17, 2020

gee, after seeing the plug on the linked post, I'd want the PROPER tool and/or a spare plug before trying to turn the real one !
hmm...will it turn better hot or cold ? I'm thinking cold cause plastic gets 'sticky' when it expands due to heat...but maybe that's a 'good' plastic ?
I can see that head shearing off without a 4 prong, tight fitting tool...having to rip out the remains, cause now it's dribbling and won't seal..oh yeah...ytou started this friday night of a long weekend and NO shops are open until Tuesday......and they'll have to order it...3 days....so a WEEK without your tractor.....

SidecarFlip · Feb 17, 2020

Removing the lower rad hose is so much easier in my view. I've never taken mine out on either tractor. I looked at it and said to myself, that thing looks like a PITA to remove so I'll do the rad hose, which is what I do.

Steve67 · Feb 17, 2020

My owners manual says remove lower hose to drain radiator

Bmbbm · Feb 17, 2020

You will remove a lot more of the old fluid by draining it from the radiator hose as well as avoiding the hassle.

SidecarFlip · Feb 17, 2020

Steve67 said:
My owners manual says remove lower hose to drain radiator

Bmbbm said:
You will remove a lot more of the old fluid by draining it from the radiator hose as well as avoiding the hassle.

My view is, why fool with the fragile plug at all. The Rad hose is so much easier but then some people just want to bugger up the plastic plug anyway.....

AAMeeting · Aug 22, 2022

Be very careful when opening the drain plug as it is very brittle, and if you apply more force than necessary, you will break it. Moreover, it will be quite difficult for you to buy a new plug that fits your radiator. I recommend you go to a professional who has the tools to unscrew the plugs. It is better to pay money to ensure the radiator remains intact. When I needed my drains cleaned, I went to drain cleaning santa ana. I did not regret it, as these guys did a great job in a short time.

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Radiator drain - what tool?

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