Removing radiator drain plug on B2650

[CharlieFoxtrot]

I am trying to drain the coolant from a B2650 but I cannot get the drain plug out. Page 81 of the manual just says "remove the radiator drain plug" but there is no explanation of how to remove it.

The plug has a head on it that looks like it should fit a #3 phillips but it is made of soft material that bends when I try to torque it. I can wiggle it with vice grips but I am afraid of snapping it off if I pull on it. I do not see any retainer clip keeping it on so I'm not sure if you are just supposed to yank it out and then tap it back in with a mallet or if there is some other method that I am missing.

Any guidance on this?

 

[dirtydeed]

Not sure, but why not just pop the lower hose off?

edit, just looked. I would guess its a threaded drain plug and the parts diagram doesn't provide any more details. Looks like it has a 1/4" rubber gasket as well. Perhaps, you can get a 6 pt socket/wrench on it if it looks like the plastic will give way with a large phillips? maybe you can grab the outer rounded head with a channel lock/vise grip.

 

[sheepfarmer]

Here is what I know from the drain plug on my L3560: Kubota tech was out to pick up my B tractor, and I was planning to change the antifreeze on the L myself before fall. He said "you'll have trouble with that drain, let me get it started for you, but plan on replacing it." He used the biggest Phillips head I had, and got it loose, it is indeed threaded. The slots on the head of the plug are kind of stripped but useable for the time being. I ordered a new one ready to put in, part no. Tc422-16070 in case they are the same. Looking at the new one, the shaft is threaded for the first 1/2 inch, then it splits in two like a clothes peg, and the ends bulge out. The shaft is hollow except at the head.
I'll try to get a picture, but the ends would prevent removing the whole thing unless you can get something on them to pinch the plastic together. Maybe it is designed so it will drain but not come all the way out?

So before trying to remove yours I would recommend picking up a new one to have on hand just in case...I think it was just a couple bucks.

 

[sheepfarmer]

The plugs in the l3560 and the B2650 seem to be identical. There is a rubber washer at the base.

 

[100 td]

H He said "you'll have trouble with that drain, let me get it started for you, but plan on replacing it." He used the biggest Phillips head I had, and got it loose, it is indeed threaded. The slots on the head of the plug are kind of stripped but useable for the time being.

Check the new one, it's probably A JIS head (similar to a pozidriv) not a phillips head, so using the wrong tool stuffs it. (Very common!)

 

[sheepfarmer]

Yes it looks like you need some kind of tool I don***8217;t have.

 

[Pau7220]

Check the new one, it's probably A JIS head (similar to a pozidriv) not a phillips head, so using the wrong tool stuffs it. (Very common!)

Absolutely correct! It's a #3 JIS

 

[eipo]

I used a large, stubby handled flat head screwdriver. Its plastic and threaded.

 

[sheepfarmer]

Do those prongs hang up in the hole if you want to take the whole thing out?

 

[CharlieFoxtrot]

I used a large, stubby handled flat head screwdriver. Its plastic and threaded.

I tried using a long slotted screwdriver from the side but the plug just bends without turning. I guess I should go buy some JIS bits and try those.

 

[CharlieFoxtrot]

The plugs in the l3560 and the B2650 seem to be identical. There is a rubber washer at the base.

I can't tell from the pictures... are those threads pitched like a screw or are they stacked? What I mean is - does the plug thread on by twisting or do those threads act more like a seal?

 

[Jim L.]

The tool for the plugs is a right-sized coin.

 

[eipo]

Yes. You can get it out, but it wont fall out.

Do those prongs hang up in the hole if you want to take the whole thing out?

Sent from my SM-G892A using Tapatalk

 

[sheepfarmer]

I can't tell from the pictures... are those threads pitched like a screw or are they stacked? What I mean is - does the plug thread on by twisting or do those threads act more like a seal?

The threads are a pitched spiral, so intended to be twisted to remove.
Since they can be a bugger, the worry is messing up the radiator.

 

[NEPA Guy]

The threads are a pitched spiral, so intended to be twisted to remove.
Since they can be a bugger, the worry is messing up the radiator.

I wonder if there is an answer on removing and replacing the plug safely. I used a 3/8 inch Flathead to loosen the plastic drain bolt but its breaking. I ordered a 1/2 inch screwdriver and it has a better grip to it. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000E64RA4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I ordered a replacement drain bolt but worry about pulling the plug out and damaging the radiator as well.

 

[SidecarFlip]

Interesting. Neither of my M series have radiator drain plugs. I remove the lower radiator hose to drain the system. Would be a plus but not there on my units.

 

[NEPA Guy]

What do you guys think about this MityVac. One guy I know said you won't have to deal with gaskets, bolts or stripping issues.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utZpZWYWqiQ

 

[SidecarFlip]

Be a lot easier and less expensive to loosen the Witek clamp on the lower hose and drain the coolant that way, least in my view. My problem with those oil suckers is they leave the crud (if any) in the bottom of the sump. Coolant, not so much.

I see at least 100 bucks there....

 

[NEPA Guy]

I am trying to drain the coolant from a B2650 but I cannot get the drain plug out. Page 81 of the manual just says "remove the radiator drain plug" but there is no explanation of how to remove it.

The plug has a head on it that looks like it should fit a #3 phillips but it is made of soft material that bends when I try to torque it. I can wiggle it with vice grips but I am afraid of snapping it off if I pull on it. I do not see any retainer clip keeping it on so I'm not sure if you are just supposed to yank it out and then tap it back in with a mallet or if there is some other method that I am missing.

Any guidance on this?

I managed to remove the damaged plastic drain bolt by pinching it with my fingers just past the grooves. It came out without any problem and replaced my damaged one with a new OEM bolt. I used a 1/2 flat head screwdriver to remove and replace the drain bolt. Works like a charm.

 

[03marauderman]

OMG - Can't wait to tackle that one some day....What was wrong with a square headed plug, that took a 3/8 or 7/16 open end wrench to remove it?.... Well the corporate thing to do is reinvent the wheel...Great job Kubota....