how do you take out the coolant drain plug

[lasabre]

I plan to flush and refill my cooling system with new Dexcool and distilled water. the problem is how to take out or remove the drain plug because it looks like it has wings and a 3/4 hex head made of plastic. here is a photo I took of it today. any help will be appreciated.

 

[HotZ28]

You should be able to just turn the "WINGS" to open & drain coolant.

 

[lasabre]

You should be able to just turn the "WINGS" to open & drain coolant.

Thank you and if the wings cant be turned , then should I use the 3/4 wrench

 

[Glenn W]

Yup, those plastic wings don't stop a 6-point socket from slipping right over the whole thing like a regular hex head. Quick & easy.

 

[lasabre]

Yup, those plastic wings don't stop a 6-point socket from slipping right over the whole thing like a regular hex head. Quick & easy.

yes Glenn W
what I had in mind was to try the wings first and then try the 3/4 socket next . I want to spray a little penetrating oil on it first , see I dont know if its like the type that just unscrews about a half turn and drains , or the type that you have to completely take it out of the threads. I cant seem to get an answer on that ?

 

[Glenn W]

All I can remember is that I didn't have to remove it to drain the radiator into a pan, no recollection of how many turns I gave it. Since it's a plastic plug in a metal object there's no galvanic corrosion to make it stick and different penetrating oils might even make the plastic brittle. I replaced my '01's original radiator a few months ago and the plug cam out with almost no effort on a short-handled ratchet. I've only had the car 2 years so no idea how long it was untouched.