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Radiator drain plug/petcock

Discussion in 'Prius v Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Suzmaca12, Aug 7, 2022.

  1. Suzmaca12

    Suzmaca12 New Member

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    I am attempting to drain the engine coolant but the petcock isn’t budging. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to loosen? It’s plastic so I want to be cautious and not break it. I found that you can get a socket for it but I don’t know which one would fit. Thanks! Suze
     
    #1 Suzmaca12, Aug 7, 2022
  2. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    The first time it will be tight. You could buy a replacement just in case or at least have one available at the time.

    6CF8B617-C42A-43ED-BDA1-F4726669B394.jpeg
     
    #2 rjparker, Aug 8, 2022
    Last edited: Aug 8, 2022
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  3. nicoj36

    nicoj36 Active Member

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    Not even with pliers?
     
    #3 nicoj36, Aug 8, 2022
  4. Georgina Rudkus

    Georgina Rudkus Senior Member

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    I just lossened and took mine out with my fingers reaching it from the top behind the radiator.
     
    #4 Georgina Rudkus, Aug 8, 2022
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  5. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    A pair of pliers or adjustable wrench can help. Don't clamp hard, just snug on the flat part, carefully turn (counter clockwise).
     
    #5 Mendel Leisk, Aug 8, 2022
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  6. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    Use something like this, put the "wing" of the drain cock in the slot and turn it.

    Additionally, using a 1/4 inch hex driver ratchet handle will help to turn the bit.

    Georgina must have "man hands" to be able to turn a drain cock that has been stuck in place for years without being moved by hand. Especially, since reaching the stopcock will force you to bend your wrist and fingers into awkward angles where you can't get any torque applied to turn anything. Screenshot_20220808-081916_Amazon%20Shopping.jpeg Screenshot_20220808-082248_Amazon%20Shopping.jpeg

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #6 xliderider, Aug 8, 2022
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  7. Suzmaca12

    Suzmaca12 New Member

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    Thank you all for responding! I really appreciate the suggestions. I tried again after posting and was able to loosen from a different position underneath using my right hand instead of left. It’s probably a girly strength issue lol
    Thanks again!
     
    #7 Suzmaca12, Aug 8, 2022
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  8. Tim Jones

    Tim Jones Senior Member

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    I took mine out several times and no problem at all. U sure you unscrewing....?
     
    #8 Tim Jones, Aug 8, 2022
  9. Tim Jones

    Tim Jones Senior Member

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    I always got mine from the top................. pretty easy
     
    #9 Tim Jones, Aug 8, 2022
  10. Tim Jones

    Tim Jones Senior Member

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    Why did you take it out?
     
    #10 Tim Jones, Aug 8, 2022
  11. Suzmaca12

    Suzmaca12 New Member

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    I drained to replace along with inverter coolant. Have taken out intake manifold to clean along with EGR pipe and cooler. I also replaced pcv valve while I had manifold out. This thread EGR cooler cleaning-Prius V 2016 | PriusChat helped me get out the cooler when I thought of giving up.
     
    #11 Suzmaca12, Aug 9, 2022
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  12. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    I also drained and replaced the ICE coolant while doing the EGR circuit cleaning as well.

    Now it will be on a 50K cycle of coolant replacement and EGR cleaning since the coolant change interval after the factory coolant is replaced is 50K. This is due to the fact that some of the original coolant remained in the heater core and hoses, so subsequent coolant drain and fills are on shorter intervals.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #12 xliderider, Aug 9, 2022
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  13. Suzmaca12

    Suzmaca12 New Member

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    50k interval… thanks! Got it…
     
    #13 Suzmaca12, Aug 9, 2022
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  14. Tim Jones

    Tim Jones Senior Member

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    No sell it before it puts you in the poor house. All gas $$$ will be lost when the car craps out on you.......and it will...............
     
    #14 Tim Jones, Aug 9, 2022
  15. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Hey I've got a pair of vise-grip style oil filter pliers I keep in a drawer in the kitchen, primarily for breaking loose the lids on spaghetti sauce jars... :unsure:
     
    #15 Mendel Leisk, Aug 9, 2022
  16. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    My sister with arthritis recommended this handy jar opener. It is very easy to use and lightweight, but gives you leverage on the most stubborn caps/lids. 4000+ positive reviews. Screenshot_20220809-164514_Amazon%20Shopping.jpeg

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #16 xliderider, Aug 9, 2022
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  17. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    Here's another picture of how it looks opening a jar of spaghetti sauce lol.
    Screenshot_20220809-164908_Amazon%20Shopping.jpeg

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #17 xliderider, Aug 9, 2022
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