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  #1  
Old 02-05-2007, 05:21 PM
pizzachef's Avatar
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If the head of the radiator drain plug breaks off...

Can I still drive the car?

I used a screwdriver to unscrew the drain plug and the head popped right off. The coolant isn't leaking right now, but I was concerned that it might if I drive around...namely to the insurance adjuster appointment I just made and to the parts store to get a new plug.

I can't remember if the plug has a rubber seal at the end of the threads...can anyone calm my anxiety??

Thanks,
-Geoff

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  #2  
Old 02-05-2007, 05:27 PM
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mmmmmm Diesel...
 
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Yes, there is a rubber gasket. You can test it by running the engine for pressure, and it will all depend on where the break occured. It is possible that the plug was cross threaded, and therefore may keep the seal.

Safety says don't drive it untill you get a new plug.
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  #3  
Old 02-05-2007, 06:01 PM
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Not to worry....too much...

I had that problem a couple of months ago....the surround of the head broke off, but still left a philips head, sort of button looking......the threaded portion has an "O" ring in a grove that does the actual sealing.....that big collar holds a locking device something like a star washer......you will be ok, there is just nothing to prevent the drain plug from backing out......

I drove over the weekend, and on Monday, went some 60 miles to the MB dealership, purchased the drain screw MB part # A 000 501 01 71, drove home (60 more miles).....then changed the plug and antifreeze......was changing my thermostat when this occurred ......

If you have Green antifreeze in your car....you should switch to either the official MB gold stuff....or the Peak Global version......while you are doing the plug swap.....

SB
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  #4  
Old 02-05-2007, 10:42 PM
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I have broken a couple of plastic drain plugs over the years. Eventually I figured out that it is safer to disconnect the lower radiator hose instead.
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  #5  
Old 02-05-2007, 10:50 PM
ForcedInduction
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Release the radiator cap so that it won't build pressure until you replace the plug.
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  #6  
Old 02-05-2007, 10:53 PM
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You're supposed to open and tighten that with a coin, not a screwdriver =P
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  #7  
Old 02-06-2007, 06:55 AM
Tom Scordato
 
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Happened to me last fall on my 1979 240d. After I flushed and went to tighten I broke off the "head" Ordered a few new drain plug. Was able to drive around a while until the new one came in. I thought it would be tough to remove but leave it to how ever designed it I could get a small head srewdriver in there and remove the old one. Made the swap quick and only lost about a half of pint of coolant./Tom
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  #8  
Old 02-06-2007, 08:52 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ara T. View Post
You're supposed to open and tighten that with a coin, not a screwdriver =P
DOH!! I'm always using the wrong tools

Well I made it to work this morning and am going to the parts store at lunch and then to the insurance appointment after...hopefully she holds through all that. The thing didn't budge when I tried to remove it, it broke before I put any real force to it, so I'm sure its not loose and will be fine.

And the whole head is broken off, but there's still a small hole where the head was that a small screwdriver will fit...I guess they plan on this happening

Thanks for the reassurance, now I'm just worried about the insurance guy lowballing me...
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  #9  
Old 02-06-2007, 08:59 AM
Craig
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pizzachef View Post
DOH!! I'm always using the wrong tools
LOL, what I found was using a pointy philips screwdriver will prevent breaking the plug. Using a coin (or a big flat screwdriver) will tent to shear the head off the plug. A philips will "reach" into the body of the plug and remove it without putting stress on the head. Ask me how I know.

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