So I broke off the head of my radiator drain plug on my 2000 Ranger. I went out and bought a replacement and Im wondering the best way to remove the old plug. I can unscrew the plug all the way with a allen wrench, but I think there are tabs that keep it from coming out all the way.

 

Screw it back in and tighten it snug with the allen wrench and leave it. The head of mine is broken as well and it never leaks.

 

You don't have to remove it, the radiator will drain either way.

 

yea i would just leave it if it doesnt leak mine is broke off too.

 

I meant, you unscrew the thing and you'll drain the coolant. Screw the plug back and system will be closed again. There should be no leaks. If there are leaks from the plug, maybe it broke, or it ain't tighten well enough.

 

thats funny we all did the exact same thing. i bought that same replacement plug to.

i put a drilled out the old one and put the new one within 3 seconds. i lost like 1 cup of coolant. took a minute. the broken one didn't leak though.

 

I don't think you understand. The head of the drain plugs are plastic and they break easily. He snapped the head off the drain plug. The head of the drain plug doesn't seal anything, it just makes loosening and tightening the plug easier.

 

Well I found out if you just jiggle the plug a little it comes out. I decided to replace it because I don't usually carry a allen wrench around with me.

 

My apologies.

 

No need to apologize. I was just trying to clear up the confusion.

 

you can just pull on the plug if you do get it out and the tabs just release. the plug, once unscrewed, is barely held in there, I have popped mine out several times

 

I had that happen on my 01 Lightning a few years ago when about to change the anti-freeze. Surprised me as the "head" just snapped off. I took it out with an allen wrench - replaced it - never had any problems since.