Radiator petcock seems to be broken. Suggestions?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by weapon, Jun 25, 2026 at 9:07 PM.

  1. weapon

    weapon Junior Member

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    Getting ready to do a coolant systems flush. Took everything apart, went under to drain the radiator and this is what I saw (attached photo). Looks like the previous owner broke the tabs while tightening it. I have the part on order.

    What would be the best way to remove this without damaging anything else?

    Maybe a couple of screws in the plastic to give me the ability to unthread it?
     

    Attached Files:

    #1 weapon, Jun 25, 2026 at 9:07 PM
  2. NutzAboutBolts

    NutzAboutBolts Senior Member

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    Clamp with a small vice grip, if it can grip it, then just turn it to remove it, if not, try drilling a screw in there with a tool and remove it that way. Plenty of space to easily remove it
     
    #2 NutzAboutBolts, Jun 25, 2026 at 11:25 PM
    weapon likes this.
  3. weapon

    weapon Junior Member

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    I could not get the vice grips to a clamp on and did not want to damage anything else especially since i did not have the replacement part yet. I will try again tomorrow and if it does not work with a different set, I will try to the screw method.

    BTW - This car is from the midwest and all the bolts are rusted on pretty good. I had to buy a magnetic induction heater because I was breaking so many bolts. Between that and the crayon trick, I have not busted a single bolt as of late.
     
    #3 weapon, Jun 26, 2026 at 12:31 AM
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