Coolant Drain Plug on Block...2012 / 5.3

[blondie70]

Howdy. Anyone know the size of the coolant drain plug? I can only see one on the drivers' side of the block. Appears to be a hex recessed type plug that needs a "giant allen wrench" to remove.
Next coolant flush, I want to remove it to make the flush a better one.
Thank you...Pete

 

[Big Mama]

I’ve never heard of it being done that way but I’m no mechanic. It seems a little dicey opening that up. A traditional flush should accomplish the same thing but I’ll be watching this thread to learn something new.

 

[strutaeng]

I bought this kit specifically for that plug. It's the largest or second from largest, so either 14mm or 17 mm.

3/8 in., 1/2 in. Drive Metric Hex Socket Set, 9 Piece

Amazing deals on this 9Pc 3/8In, 1/2In Dr Metric Hex Socket Set at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

My LQ4 I'm currently overhauling had a block heater installed there. I removed it and installed the brass plug (had one laying around from another engine teardown.)

Just reinstall it with thread sealant and torque it to spec. I think it's like 40 ft-lb, but don't quote me on that.

 

[Blackcar]

These Allen wrenches in link with ball end a lot of times let you remove hex plugs when obstructions are in the way of removing.

13-Piece Metric Ball End Hex Key Wrench Set | TEKTON | 25272

Includes: 1.27-10 mm (Metric) ball hex key wrenches. Up to 25-degree entry angle. Black oxide finish. Versatile long arm/short arm design. Hinged housing.

www.tekton.com

 

[Just Fishing]

I don't remember the size, but there is also one right above the starter (if memory serves me)
Otherwise you will have half of a block full of coolant.

When refilling, be careful of the thermostat.
if it's not one of those that have a little valve built in, they will trap air and not let it fill to the heads.
One of my neighbors blew an engine doing that.

 

[blondie70]

I don't remember the size, but there is also one right above the starter (if memory serves me)
Otherwise you will have half of a block full of coolant.

When refilling, be careful of the thermostat.
if it's not one of those that have a little valve built in, they will trap air and not let it fill to the heads.
One of my neighbors blew an engine doing that.

Hi Fishing.....wonder ...can one pull the plug above the starter without pulling the starter ? I looked up there and never saw a plug...Thanks for the info.

 

[Just Fishing]

Hi Fishing.....wonder ...can one pull the plug above the starter without pulling the starter ? I looked up there and never saw a plug...Thanks for the info.

I don't think you can, it's tight.

 

[blondie70]

I bought this kit specifically for that plug. It's the largest or second from largest, so either 14mm or 17 mm.

3/8 in., 1/2 in. Drive Metric Hex Socket Set, 9 Piece

Amazing deals on this 9Pc 3/8In, 1/2In Dr Metric Hex Socket Set at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

My LQ4 I'm currently overhauling had a block heater installed there. I removed it and installed the brass plug (had one laying around from another engine teardown.)

Just reinstall it with thread sealant and torque it to spec. I think it's like 40 ft-lb, but don't quote me on that.

Wow ! A kit just for one socket. Oh well ...maybe I'll make one....a piece of bar stock...a grinder and a stiltson wrench. What could go wrong ??? ha ha ha......thank you.

 

[strutaeng]

Wow ! A kit just for one socket. Oh well ...maybe I'll make one....a piece of bar stock...a grinder and a stiltson wrench. What could go wrong ??? ha ha ha......thank you.

Yeah, I bought that socket set because my other set didn't go that big.

So it's a 17 mm on that large one. I actually didn't remove the one near the starter side (I just painted over it too). I checked and that one is a 8 mm.

Photos for reference.

 

[j91z28d1]

I didn't realize the back starter side was 8mm. that's good to know.