ruf575
Viper Owner
Where can I buy a "square head?" socket to remove the coolant plugs on the engine block for a '94?
Draining coolant from block
- Thread starter ruf575
- Start date
ruf575
Viper Owner
I just came back from this place and I could not find them anywhere! I looked all over the store hoping to find them 
. I asked 2 employee's if they had anything like this and both looked at me like I was ***** . Thanks I'll try again tomorrow!
. I asked 2 employee's if they had anything like this and both looked at me like I was ***** . Thanks I'll try again tomorrow!Black Mamba 47
Enthusiast
Snap-on tools has them. PM me and I can get you a part # and price as I work for them.
jcaspar1
Enthusiast
FrankBarba
Enthusiast
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Sears...Craftsman Tools - Can't beat them
Lowe's
Home Depot
Snap On
Lowe's
Home Depot
Snap On
xlrashn
Viper Owner
I did the "grinding of the 3/8" extension" trick as well. Worked great!
Martin
Enthusiast
The Harbor Freight set looks like it would work fine. If I remember correctly, my '97 didn't require a square head...
I did the same thing after driving around for two days buying and returning wrong sizes. Buy the 3/8 and grind down.
dave6666
Enthusiast
ruf575
Viper Owner
Thanks everyone for helping out. I got one the other day so eveything worked out! 
Rheeder218
Viper Owner
nevermind???
Last edited:
eucharistos
Enthusiast
is it really necessary to drain the block? if you do a fresh water flush a couple of times before adding coolant, wouldn't that be good enough?
the reason i ask is i have a phobia about removing the block plug (seriously)
the reason i ask is i have a phobia about removing the block plug (seriously)
dave6666
Enthusiast
You don't even have to breathe oxygen if it bothers you. But just like you will die if you quit breathing, so will your car if you fail to drain the block.
Really though. It's a more thorough way to do the job, and gets out sediment that a flush will not remove. Just do it. They come out easy. Put a little dope on the threads when reinstalling, and don't double-torque the snot out of them.
Really though. It's a more thorough way to do the job, and gets out sediment that a flush will not remove. Just do it. They come out easy. Put a little dope on the threads when reinstalling, and don't double-torque the snot out of them.
SA HEAT
Enthusiast
It takes several more times than a couple....it took me six drain/refill/run/cool cycles to get completely clear water....I had the same reservations about removing the block plugs.
Ron
Enthusiast
The block plugs in my engine had a hard gray thread sealant that "snapped" when first removed, but were no problem. Unfortunately the material was also applied generously to the thermostat bleeder and after several attempts at removal decided to wait until a thermostat change to more safely take it out for the 1st time. The plug was just too small for me to feel comfortable applying the required torque against it.
Bolt
Viper Owner
If you are going to attempt this than you should be more than mechanically inclined to grind down a 3/8 extension. I did this also and it work great. I drained my heads three times with my modified tool. You will use it multiple times.
Sorry for the late reply. Glad to see everything worked out!
Sorry for the late reply. Glad to see everything worked out!
Last edited:
Just what i did after spending two days driving to every tools and auto store I could think of to come up short handed.
eucharistos
Enthusiast
thanks for the drain plug cojones, i'll try it
what kind? just regular old plumbers pipe dope, anti seize...:dummo:
tia
what kind? just regular old plumbers pipe dope, anti seize...:dummo:
tia
dave6666
Enthusiast
I use Loctite PST, an anaerobic sealant with PTFE. Do not use anti seize.
This Rectorseal is a good product and likely available at Home Depot or Lowes etc.
http://www.rectorseal2.com/files/213/tplus2.jpg
Just watch the torque with any pipe dope with PTFE. Your tightening torque should be about 1/3 to 1/2 of what the breakaway torque was.
Chuck 98 RT/10
Enthusiast
Here is the cheapest I've found of the SK brand pipe plug sockets which is advertised as Made in the USA and been around since the 1920s. $74.45 for the complete set.
SK Hand Tool 19781 11 pc. Pipe Plug Socket Set
I also found another brand for $30 less but it didn't say anything about being made in the U.S. so I'm not posting it. I try to buy U.S. whenever it seems right. With tools it just seems right.
SK also sponsors auto racing.
SK Hand Tool 19781 11 pc. Pipe Plug Socket Set
I also found another brand for $30 less but it didn't say anything about being made in the U.S. so I'm not posting it. I try to buy U.S. whenever it seems right. With tools it just seems right.
SK also sponsors auto racing.
