Bleed screw on the radiator broke

[PeaveyBassist]

When I changed my timing belt, we took the radiator out and when I went to turn the screw on the bottom driver's side to drain all the coolant, the plastic screw just snapped. So now its stuck in the radiator. Is there any "easy" way to get this out? I wanna replace it with a metal screw because the plastic one sucks balls big time. Any ideas?

Will

[arsevader]

Drill her real careful then maybe try cuttin ginto it with an exacto knife.

The threads it screws into are plastic as well.

I would empty the rad first with the lower hose of course. ;)

Dunno if a metal one would be a better idea though because of the plastic threads.

James

[PeaveyBassist]

Hmmmm... I wouldnt think I would need to replacet the entire radiator just cus of this little problem. Maybe with the radiator out of the car I could drill a hole just slightly smaller than the plastic screw and get a new plastic screw. Then try to thread in the new plastic screw and see if it taps itself? Or I could use a tap and tap a new hole for the screw. Any ideas from others on metal vs plastic screws though?

Will

[arsevader]

Hmmmm... I wouldnt think I would need to replacet the entire radiator just cus of this little problem.

I don't think it's that drastic yet. But you do need to be careful witht eh plastic. You might want to remove the rad to give you some more room to work.

James

[PeaveyBassist]

I'll definitely take it out. Its so easy to take it out. 2 hose clamps, and 2 bolts :) Then it lifts right up.

Will

[nando]

I had the same thing happen, it's not too hard actually. get a small screwdriver (or some other metal, pointed object with a handle) and a lighter. heat up the tip of the screwdriver (make sure it's HOT), and stab the plug with it. once it cools you can just unscrew it. no removal of the radiator neccesary. :)

[PeaveyBassist]

Wow Nando. I'll have to try that one :) Are you basically just trying to melt the plastic to the screwdriver or something? lol Thats a REALLY good idea!

Will

[nando]

yeah, but it has to be a pretty small tip, a big fat phillips probably won't work, a flathead or centerpunch would be better. in any case, it was really easy to unscrew once I had the thing melted in there. I heated up the end for about a minute before I stuck it in.

[pig4bill]

That is a great tip. Stuff like that should be kept in a wiki or something similar.

[PeaveyBassist]

Yea, I was plannin on using a flathead. I guess I should use a small one. We have a propane torch. I'll prolly just use that. Should I just get a new plastic screw from the dealer? Or should I find a metal/brass screw that has the same threads and stuff?

Will

[bmwguru007]

Just get a new drain plug from the dealer, a metal plug and the plastic threads in the radiator aren't going to mix well.

[cahomey]

the plastic one is fine. It has like 6,000 washers and shit on it, tighten it snug.

It's fine.