Better alternative to OEM plastic radiator drain plug

Is there a better aftermarket alternative to the plastic POS radiator drain plug? For example aluminum or stainless steel? I think that plastic threaded fittings are simply a bad idea as they are more prone to warping, melting, and bending out of shape and they also do not twist as smoothly as metal. This is not the case with just automotive but I have observed the same with residential plumbing.

I am at a point where I have to twist mine with channel locks because it's on so tight that I can't just twist it off with fingers. But using pliers strips the plug and you can do it only so much.

 

Just replace it with a new plastic one if yours is bad.

 

I'm trying to find a sturdier replacement, maybe aluminum or stainless steel

 

Take your old one to a hardware store and find a new plug. It's probably just a standard NPT plug.

 

Not a bad idea. I thought there was a standard replacement others have done so that I can just order online rather than dig through a hardware store. But thanks.

 

put a little silicone grease on it before reinstallation. silicones inert and wont hurt anything.

 

I've had to replace a few of the plastic ones on higher mileage vehicles for the reasons you listed. But I figure a plastic plug is under $3 usually at the local parts store and if it needs to be changed every 5-10 years no biggie.

I know lots of vehicles used to use a brass plug, but I'm sure it was changed to plastic for unit cost reasons.

 

if you put some metal plug in there who is to say the little amount of coolant it sees won't initiate
some type of new corrosion, either on the plug itself, or it sends metal molecules around
your system triggering corrosion elsewhere. ya I know minor stuff but ...if it ain't OEM I ain't using it

either that, or the heat expansion rate of the opening, is different than your plug, and it develops a leak over time

 

valid points

 

Well your other thread is locked so I can not post there, but I was going to say that maybe your truck is OK now. Those small bubbles could be just you running water instead of coolant in the engine(water boils much sooner than coolant.
So I would replace water with proper coolant and take it for a run, observing temperature and coolant level.

 

Thanks. Been done.

 

Ah so with the coolant do you overheat, do you lose any coolant ?

 

I don't know yet, I replaced it last night, haven't driven yet ... I ride public transportation to work. Will let you know this weekend. Thanks

 

Ah Perfect, I hope it rides with out issues. Sometimes after fixing something people look very hard for any signs, and normal things may appear as the problem.
If you drive and dont overheat and dont lose coolant I would say chuck this into done column... Good Luck..