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#1
05-18-2013, 07:48 PM
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Unable to remove radiator drain plug
I wanted to drain the coolant to change the thermostat but the radiator drain plug (it's blue in color) won't budge at all and I've ended up stripping it. How do I now remove it?
X5 4.4 2005
__________________
'05 E53 X5 4.4i, '97 E39 528, '07 E92 335i, '16 F86 X6M. 
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#2
05-19-2013, 09:10 PM
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Folks, every job seems to have at least one thing that screws me up. This was supposed to be an easy job for me (to change the thermostat). I should have just removed the radiator hose to drain but I kept trying to remove the drain plug hoping it will give in. Unfortunately I just ended up stripping it's head.
My online search shows that an 1/8 inch Eazy-Out should do it. They are basically drills with a left hand thread, so when you tighten them, they back out the stuck plug/bolt. Radiator should be hot to help loosen the plug. Plan is to loosen it and let the radiator cool and remove the rest. I'm thinking I should try with needle nose pliers first and failing that, try out the Eazy-Out way.
__________________
'05 E53 X5 4.4i, '97 E39 528, '07 E92 335i, '16 F86 X6M.
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#3
05-19-2013, 09:17 PM
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The plug is plastic so it should not be to hard to drill out and remove. Note that it has a flaired head on it so that when you loosen it to drain it does not come out fully. It has a channel which allows coolant to drain out. Also, the plug drains SLOW!
__________________
A common mistake that people make when trying to design something completely foolproof is to underestimate the ingenuity of complete fools. -Douglas Adams  2003 X5 4.6is Estoril Blue 2005 Infiniti G35X 1972 Datsun 240Z 1991 Isuzu Impulse XS Sold 1972 Fiat 850 Spyder Donated 1972 Datsun 240Z Sold 1972 Datsun 510 Sold 
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#4
05-19-2013, 10:20 PM
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i just had the same problem you did while addressing my valley pan. I partially buggered it with a screwdriver, and decided to switch up to a socket. If memory serves, a 13mm worked just fine going out, and in.
Good Luck!
__________________
Current Rides: 2002 X5 4.4i (04/02 Build) 2004 M3 Conv. 2005 Suzuki V-Strom 650
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#5
05-25-2013, 09:24 AM
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Success! used screw extractor
It started spinning right away with little effort and I was pleasantly surprised! Wow, so easy for a task that seemed daunting. $3 for the extractor and $7 for the T-tool (3 different sizes) from harbor freight.
__________________
'05 E53 X5 4.4i, '97 E39 528, '07 E92 335i, '16 F86 X6M.
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#6
05-25-2013, 11:35 AM
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Odd. Your plug is different then mine. Mine had a short tail with bulb on the end. This allowed it to drop but not come out completely.
__________________
A common mistake that people make when trying to design something completely foolproof is to underestimate the ingenuity of complete fools. -Douglas Adams 2003 X5 4.6is Estoril Blue 2005 Infiniti G35X 1972 Datsun 240Z 1991 Isuzu Impulse XS Sold 1972 Fiat 850 Spyder Donated 1972 Datsun 240Z Sold 1972 Datsun 510 Sold
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