Snapped off radiator drain plug, how to get out?

[swshawaii]

Hopefully others see that thread and the parts listed and pics for help in the future. 5.0 owners should grab a pair just in case, no clue how long Gates will make them for.

Here's the info for those not following "that" thread.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3411775&postcount=9

 

[masospaghetti]

I've used those spring-type devices to bend regular hoses. They work really well and they really do prevent kinks. If you are having trouble finding the correct molded hose, go for it.

Regarding the 5.0 radiator - Yes, i've had to remove it on both my V6's and on my V8. I want to strangle the engineer who came up with those condenser clips.

 

[beach]

I've used those spring-type devices to bend regular hoses. They work really well and they really do prevent kinks. If you are having trouble finding the correct molded hose, go for it.

Regarding the 5.0 radiator - Yes, i've had to remove it on both my V6's and on my V8. I want to strangle the engineer who came up with those condenser clips.

yup that was my thoughts, think even in the thread I posted years ago I said I wanted to kill whatever engineer came up with this radiator setup on the V8s lol. Then a t-stat housing bolt snapped off so had to have a shop drill it out and told them to flush etc, they saw the new radiator and said they hate doing V8 Explorer radiators lol. If I recall kinda modded mine, I shaved down the clips and connector things on the radiator, I could not get the radiator in at all after hours, the clips were too tight for new radiator.

Hardest radiator swap by far. I've done sister sohc V6 Ex she had years ago, done other cars and trucks I've owned including a Viper. Piece of cake, V8 Explorer made me want to murder someone.

 

[bill06447]

it was engineered for easy manufacturing assembly. Apparently they expect everyone who replaces a radiator to also be able to evacuate and recharge the ac system (it's designed to be bench assembled to the condenser and installed as a unit)

Bill

 

[masospaghetti]

So true, cars are not sold for their maintainability, if they can reduce the time installing a radiator by 5 minutes per vehicle, thats extra $$ for the manufacturer to spend on other amenities.

 

[wharriso]

Almost a decade late but I sure I am not the only one searching for a solution, here's mine:
I took a Philips socket attachment, picked it up with a pair of pliers, heated the business end with a torch till it changed colors and shoved it into the center of what was left of that plug. I waited about an hour then twisted it off with a small ratchet. I will probably have to heat it again if I want my Philips back.

 

[410Fortune]

Well done!
I have drawer full of those plastic plugs because they are proprietary to the aftermarket radiators … every once in a while I have to replace one… so years ago I started keeping them before I crush old radiators

I also have a few complete 5.0 trucks… a good source for old molded hoses… but at the same time I don’t ever really have radiator hoses go bad… even the old ones from the 90snstill Holding up so it’s not a nigh wear item