1998 LS400 coolant drain and fill problem
07-19-18, 01:19 PM
#1
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1998 LS400 coolant drain and fill problem
Im currently trying to drain and fill my coolant on my 98, the filler plug is stuck however and the more i work at it the more it seems to be stripping, is it ok if i dont use the filler plug to refill the coolant and just use the reservoir?
07-19-18, 01:29 PM
#3
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07-19-18, 01:56 PM
#4
I ran into the same problem, and used a vice grip on the outside of the bolt. This worked easily. Just be smart about it. Only vice grip the bolt and not the housing. Go slowly! Tap it with a hammer, rather than forcing it by had and shredding it. Make sure the grip it very tight. Consider warming the engine first, this might help, but I didn't have to do this, but it might make it easier to strip too, so weigh your options. Sometimes, ever so slightly tighten a micro hair will make loosing happen, but I wouldn't do this on an aluminum intake. You might crack the intake.
Last edited by Michael88; 07-19-18 at 01:59 PM.
07-19-18, 01:59 PM
#5
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Im out of time so ima have to try it again later,, im honestly thinking ill just buy a new filler plug so i wont have as much to worry about when reinstalling
07-20-18, 11:24 AM
#7
I used to have a persistent leak from that filler/bleeder bolt. Finally got the right crush washer for it and installed it to stop the leaks.
And then I've never touched it again. I have needed to partially drain and re-fill the cooling system a few times since then (e.g., radiator replacement), and am always able to bleed it just fine without ever opening that bolt. I always fill through the overflow tank, squeeze the upper radiator hose to encourage the coolant to flow, do this with the car facing uphill on my sloping driveway (I think that may be important), and never any problems.
So I would just leave the bolt where it is. If you do get it off, you may find your next problem is to stop it from leaking.
And then I've never touched it again. I have needed to partially drain and re-fill the cooling system a few times since then (e.g., radiator replacement), and am always able to bleed it just fine without ever opening that bolt. I always fill through the overflow tank, squeeze the upper radiator hose to encourage the coolant to flow, do this with the car facing uphill on my sloping driveway (I think that may be important), and never any problems.
So I would just leave the bolt where it is. If you do get it off, you may find your next problem is to stop it from leaking.
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10-07-18, 05:42 AM
#10
When you have a stripped bolt and/or threads (especially in aluminum), you most like are looking at having to run a die through the threads to "clean them up" before using a new bolt. I wouldn't do this with the throttle body on the car because the metal shavings will drop into the coolant.system. Most likely taking the throttle body off and turning it upside down while tapping it, or taking it to a machine shop. Good Luck.
10-07-18, 11:14 AM
#11
When you have a stripped bolt and/or threads (especially in aluminum), you most like are looking at having to run a die through the threads to "clean them up" before using a new bolt. I wouldn't do this with the throttle body on the car because the metal shavings will drop into the coolant.system. Most likely taking the throttle body off and turning it upside down while tapping it, or taking it to a machine shop. Good Luck.
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