W-4 Block Drain Frozen

Tim in New York · Nov 9, 2013

I want to drain the coolant from my W4 and replace it with fresh mix. I can"t get the drain plug free - its rusted pretty badly. Is is safe to heat the plug with a torch?

Thanks,
Tim

Anonymous-0 · Nov 9, 2013

you talking the rad or the block drain plug?

Nebraska Cowman · Nov 10, 2013

If it were me, I'd leave well enough alone. I'd drain it at the radiator drain pipe and flush the best I could and refill.

Tim in New York · Nov 10, 2013

The block plug. I have not yet messed with the radiator. I have marinated the block plug with blaster, but no results yet. Its not easy to get a grip on the plug wings.

I'll look at the radiator today - maybe I should do as the Cowman suggests.

Tim

John G. Hasler · Nov 10, 2013

"Wings"? Is it a plug or a spigot?

Zachary Hoyt · Nov 10, 2013

The engine starting hand crank is designed to also fit those plugs with the wings. Might be worth a try.
Zach

rustyfarmall · Nov 10, 2013

It"s sort of like a wing nut, or a wing bolt if you will, but very heavy duty. It is NOT a spigot.

Nebraska Cowman · Nov 10, 2013

I did not know that Zachary. Just proves a man can always learn a new trick!

willie in mn · Nov 10, 2013

Take a close look at it. There should be a hex behind the wings. If there is, break off the wings & remove the whole shebang. Most likely 9/16, use a 6 point socket. They are brass, should come out without much effort.
Willie

Zachary Hoyt · Nov 10, 2013

I didn't know it either till someone told me, now I can't recall if it was on here or someone who was visiting to buy parts or what.
Zach

sflem849 · Nov 11, 2013

(quoted from post at 08:51:24 11/10/13) "Wings"? Is it a plug or a spigot?

Wings...the factory plugs are wing nut type plugs.

mkirsch · Nov 11, 2013

I know the type of plug he's talking about.

There is no hex behind the wings. It's steel not brass.

Like this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/321092064663

It's the factory original plug. Probably been in there since 1940-something.

I'm not sure about heat... and I'd hate to see you have to wreck that original plug.

If you drain it at the lower radiator hose you'll get enough of the water that it won't freeze.

W-4 Block Drain Frozen

Tim in New York

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Anonymous-0

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Nebraska Cowman

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Tim in New York

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John G. Hasler

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Zachary Hoyt

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rustyfarmall

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Nebraska Cowman

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willie in mn

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Zachary Hoyt

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sflem849

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mkirsch

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