Stripped the rad drain plug - now what
 

Well, I finally got started on getting ready to pull my engine today. I was trying to take the rad drain plug out and the cheap plastic in the head of the screw thing got stripped, so now I can't take it out with a screwdriver. What do you suggest I do to get it out? Drill it out? If so, what size drill bit would be good.

I read that you could heat up a screwdriver and slide it in. Unfortunately my soldering iron is in my car, which my wife is using. Ill try that once she gets back and see if that works.

Screwdriver or drill it out and buy another from the dealer.

yeah just heat up a big flat head and make another slot

Heated up a big flat screw driver just the other day...and it works just fine...in fact...its in the car I just drove to get dinner! Cheaper than replacing it from the dealer at $32.56!!!

you can drain the coolant from the lower hose if you cannot remove it

I read on another thread that you can get an aluminum one from an auto parts place. Is this true?
Although it doesnt really matter at this point, I'm fully expecting the motor to be out for several months while I get together the money to do it right (new rotor housings.)

The plug is plastic so it will be the weaker part and fail. If your bottom tank is plastic, a metal plug stands a good chance of stripping the tank threads.

Good point. I guess I'll just get another one. I can prob get one from a junk yard.
Also, the heated screwdriver thing didnt work. I guess I'm just gonna drill it out and let it drain through the drill hole and screw with it once the rad is out.