How to remove seized engine block coolant drain plug

[gogogsr]

Hey guys, i'm flushing my coolant and i'm having a real hard time removing the engine block coolant drain plugs. I was wondering if it is safe to heat the block around the drain bolts?? I tought you were not suppose to heat the engine block to remove bolts, but maybe I misunderstood, lol. These two bolts are a real PITA. Thanks guys

[intender]

I never could get mine to break loose. I tried a torch, and crc freeze off and it didnt budge one bit. Im not sure why you shouldnt heat the engine block, since it gets extremely hot when operating. I wouldnt go from sub zero temps to a hot torch, but normal temps should be fine.

[gogogsr]

thanks intender, is there an alternative to removing these plugs? What did you do?

[phrog man]

Can't remember how much room is there bit I would use a 12 point socket attached to a breaker bar then use a cheater bar to increase the amount of torque you can apply. If there is room this always works.


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[gogogsr]

I allready tried that but i dont want to snap the head

[muadeeb]

Maybe a little 'percussive therapy' around it? It's not really seized, just held in really well by the sealant.

[gogogsr]

I will try with impact at like 80 psi

[intender]

The cooling system holds slightly less than 3 gallons total. The radiator if you have a non supercharged engine holds a little less than half of that. I drained the radiator twice. I made my own 50/50 mix from distilled water and antifreeze and used that to fill it after each drain, and added the system flush additive into the first flush. I followed whatever the directions for the flush was for the the first drain. I let the engine run for about 20 minutes before I drained it the second time to let it mix good. after the second drain I filled it with 50/50 again. I drove it for about 2 weeks and then did another drain and filled again. Probably didnt need the 3rd drain but it didnt hurt. I had just changed the thermostat on my infiniti and forgot I had some nissan antifreeze laying around in the basement and bought more to do the xterra. My wife wanted me to get rid of the antifreeze before our 2 year old got into it (he thought it was bubbles) so it seemed like the best use for it. Either way I drained more out of the system than it holds, although I am sure a small amount of the original coolant is still in the system it should be a tiny amount.

all of that was in vain either way, my upper radiator connector snapped off my radiator a few months later after doing my body lift and I had to fill the system again anyway. I got it connected enough to hold long enough to get home, but used water from a gas station to fill it and had to do it all again to get the crappy water out. Some people dont seem to mind using city or well water for flushing and filling the cooling system, but I never liked the idea.

[outwiththeold]

Got mine out with a set of bolt-out sockets.