I went to change the coolant today but when I tried to loosen the drain plug on the rad it stripped! Now can I get a replacement plug from Mazda? If so, should I just drill out the stripped one and proceed with the coolant change? OR, can I just find any old bolt that'll fit drain hole? What's the purpose of having a plastic drain plug in the first place? Thanks in advance.


Jason

 

this is a good excuse to buy an upgraded radiator now.

 

You can buy a new one from Mazda. There's nothing wrong with a plastic drain plug. Yours just happens to be overtightened or something.

 

get an aftermarket rad. best thing you could do to prolong the life of your seven

 

Thanks for the replies!
I'll pick up a replacement plug for the time being. I do plan on getting an aftermarket rad but right now my money is going towards a set of new tires and fixing a vibration problem with one of the front wheels. So hopefully by the end of the year I'll have a new rad.
Thanks again.


Jason

 

they used a plastic drain plug to save weight. duh j/k

 

I found at Pep Boys a nearly exact replacment drain plug of the "HELP!" brand. It was labeled "Nissan/Mazda Drain Plug", and is just a little shorter, but is of the same size/same thread and has a rubber washer. Of course, you still have to get your old one out!