2001 Oldsmobile Intrigue Radiator Drain

OLDSMOBILE
Avatar
JINTRIQUE
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I have a 2001 Olds Intrique, it has 99,000 miles and iit is time to change the anit-freez. Does anyone know of a tool that fits the radiator drain on this car?

Thanks,
Jul 31, 2006 at 9:54 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
MIKEYBDMAN
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 623 POSTS
[quote:2a1db4ff7a="jintrique"]I have a 2001 Olds Intrique, it has 99,000 miles and iit is time to change the anit-freez. Does anyone know of a tool that fits the radiator drain on this car?

Thanks,[/quote:2a1db4ff7a]

THat is a weird little plug on that one. IT should not be that tight, so maybe you can work it loose with your fingers. It only rotates 90 degrees and the fluid should be flowing.
Jul 31, 2006 at 10:47 AM
Avatar
JINTRIQUE
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
It is defintatly stuck, I even tried a large screwdriver bit on it, any other ideas?
Jul 31, 2006 at 12:08 PM
Avatar
MIKEYBDMAN
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 623 POSTS
[quote:2511aff642="jintrique"]It is defintatly stuck, I even tried a large screwdriver bit on it, any other ideas?[/quote:2511aff642]

To be honest, if you break the drain you will be replacing the radiator more than likely. I would suggest removing the lower radiator hose and draining the radiator that way. You can place a water hose in the fill port and flush it as much as you want.
Jul 31, 2006 at 12:56 PM
Avatar
JINTRIQUE
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thanks for the adviice, it seems like the safest way to go.
Jul 31, 2006 at 1:00 PM

Suggested Repair

Do not force the stuck radiator drain plug, because breaking it will likely require radiator replacement. Remove the lower radiator hose to drain the coolant, then flush by running a water hose into the fill port.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 2001 Oldsmobile Intrigue with 99,000 miles asked about a tool for the radiator drain while changing antifreeze. The expert said the plug only turns about 90 degrees and may loosen by hand. After the owner reported it was stuck despite using a large screwdriver bit, the expert advised against forcing it because a broken drain usually means replacing the radiator. The recommended method is to remove the lower radiator hose to drain the coolant and flush through the fill port. The owner agreed that was the safest approach.

Add a reply
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.

Frequently Asked Problems for This Vehicle