Draining Coolant?

[Desert Rat]

Went to drain coolant in my 98 LC. Finally found the two block 'drain pulgs' (also called Engine Coolant Drain Unions in the FSM) but I couildn't open them. They seem corroded with a bit of rust. I tried to unscrew the 10 mm hex-nut in the center, trying to turn CCW. No joy.

I finally gave up and put things back together. Later, I began to think, are they inside-type valves and I should have been screwing in---turning CW. Can anyone set me straight? Was I turning the wrong way? Or do I need to go to a shop where they can lift the rig and get better access from below?

Any help will be appreciated.

 

[i4c4lo]

Hello,

You are doing it properly it is just probably tight from the corrosion you are describing. I used a very long extension (multiple actually) through the wheel wells. Maybe you can have better leverage that way. Good luck.

Amando

 

[Desert Rat]

Thanks i4c4lo.

Then I was doing it right, trying to unscrew it by turning Counter-Clockwise? I know some radiator drain plugs have to be screwed in to open the drain. I just don't want to torque the nut too hard if I am trying to turn it in the wrong direction.

I'll try to roundup some extensions for my socket set and see if doing it from the wheel well will allow me to get the leverage I need.

 

[jp213a]

Spray the engine block drain plugs with PB Blaster brand penetrating oil and let it work for 10-15 minutes.