gruffalo

Well, the plastic radiator drain plug had turned brittle and its head broke off. I wonder if i can just leave it there? Will it still do its job decapitated?

MainePorsche

Is there still enough of the plastic shaft within the threads ? If so, it should hold for a bit but I would put in a new one as soon as possible.

gruffalo

The head snapped clean off. All of the shaft is still there.

jeff spahn

I would replace it. Roger has them in stock. They are cheap and readily available. Buy two while you are at it. I keep a spare around after mine did what yours did. Also order a spare nipple for the top of the radiator where the small hose comes out the right hand end tank. You can put a bolt in here when you break it off but you should just keep a spare around.

Mrmerlin

the plug is sealed with an O ring,
it would be best to order 2 new plugs and 2 nipples for the top,
replace both parts and keep the spares for emergency.

To remove the plug get a junker flat blade screwdriver,
heat the tip till red then carefully place into the old plug and let it melt into it ,
then when it cools , unscrew the plug, and install the new plug.

NOTE I suggest to use Dow Corning 111 on the O ring
NOTE installing is just to snug, same for the nipple

gruffalo

Thanks! I was actually considering heating and melting a screwdriver into it. Great minds think alike

dr bob

Good idea with the hot screwdriver, just don't melt anything else like the side tank itself.

The same drains are used on many M-B cars if you need one instantly. Cheap even at the dealer parts counter.